Respite has come the way of Lepers in Iberekodo area of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, following the resolve of a Non-Governmental Organisarion, 'Jaw Jaw Africa' to install security lights in the colony.

The Chairman of the colony, Jimoh Ahmed, during the visit of the NGO on Friday had complained about their safety in the Colony, adding that the environment has become so porous.

He also advocated for soft loans that can enable those who can still work within them to start some petty businesses within the environment.

He said, "Another problem we have here is security, every day we are only sure of going to bed but waking up is God's doing. Our colony here is too porous. There are exit routes everywhere. Before now there are no houses around us but development has made people build houses all around the colony.

"At night, the whole of this place will be in total darkness exposing us to more risk but what can we do?

"So, if you ask me to make request now, I will appeal for solar street light, even if it is just two that we can get, we will forever be grateful."

The patients also cried out for assistance over the wellbeing and education of their children.

Speaking on other issues affecting them, Secretary of the colony, Folorunso Lukman, called for increased attention of the public and other civil society organisations on their children.

Folorunsho said, "Our present situation has frustrated some of our children out of school to learn either a trade or handwork after learning, we still don't have money to start them up or buy work tools for them. Please we didn't bargain for this but it happened, we have accepted our fate.

"We haven't failed until we cannot help our children to make good lives for themselves."

An aged man at the colony who is the Chairman of the elder’s council, John Ojuawo, also lamented the destruction of their subsistence farm by cattle, the situation which he said has stopped farming in the colony.

Responding, the convener of Jaw Jaw Africa, Victor Eniola-Mark, promised to place premium urgency on the installation of street light adding that security must come first in all human dealings.

He also requested a data of out of school pupils, students as well as the lists of other pressing issues in the colony.

He noted that the NGO prioritises issues affecting children, youth women and the elderly.

"I'll also like to tell you that we understand that, this that happened to you is not what you bargained for, we also understand that it can happen to anyone, that is why we are here to tell you that you are not alone.

"We shall be waiting for the list of all the complaints you have made here today for considerations.

"We will work with you and as well with our friends who we know should be able to help in achieving a more comfortable life for you all."