WELFARE SERVICE DELIVERY FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED ELDERLY PERSONS IN KWARA STATE UNDER THE ECONOMIC RECESSION OF COVID-19

Since the emergence of economic recession in Nigeria occasioned by the corona virus pandemic (COVID-19) in the early 2020, many people including the physically challenged persons appear to have lost confidence in the government and the society in general for inability to provide the necessary welfare services that make life worth living. In other words, one of the means of judging the performance of any democratic government is the amenities it offers to its citizens for good living conditions without discrimination. The study examined the broad issue of welfare services delivery for the physically challenged elderly persons in Kwara State. Nigeria during the economic recession of COVID-19. Qualitative method of data collection was employed to elicit information from participants (the physically challenged elderly) in the three senatorial districts of the state. The equity theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. Findings of the study revealed that there is high level of insensitivity, corruption and over-politicization by the people in the government on the plights or welfare of older people living with disabilities in Kwara state. Many of the participants confirmed that their survival is tied to assistance/succor from public, spirited individuals, extended relations, religious and non-governmental organizations. The study however made some recommendations such as adherence and full implementation of the disability Act, reactivation of community-based rehabilitation programmes amongst others.