Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed into Law the “Enugu State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Bill 2022.”
The Act seeks to provide for the full integration of persons with disabilities into the society, establish the Enugu State persons with disabilities agency and vest in the agency the responsibilities for their Education, health, social, economic and civil rights and other connected purposes.
A release by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Enugu State chapter, described the passage of the Act as a big gift by the outgoing Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
“This is the much anticipated gift by the Government of Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led administration with a paradigm shift from charity to rights based approach on disability matters.
“It is mind-blowing and serves as a morale booster to thousands of persons with disabilities across the 17 local government areas of the State.
“We the community of persons with disabilities in Enugu State welcome wholeheartedly the inclusive legislation in governance which hence register our dear State Enugu in the world designed principles for inclusive society.
“We therefore acknowledge in gratitude the goodwill of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his executive backing that saw the introduction of the Bill to the State Legislative chamber, ” the group said.
JONAPWD appealed to the governor to quickly sign the bill into Law before leaving office in May 29th.
“With profound humility we implore you our Dear Executive Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to give your assent to the all important bill to give it life as a seal to your goodwill and benevolence to the community of persons with disabilities.
“You have done pretty good for this special community and we pray God to keep, preserve and reward you bountifully, ” JONAPWD said.
The group also lauded the efforts of the leadership of the house led by Hon. Edward Ubosi in making the bill a reality.
JONAPWD said: “Posterity shall remember you for good and the legacy you have instituted for the sake of inclusion and human dignity shall remain indelible.”
