Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Top Anambra State Government officials yesterday shunned an invitation to a programme organised by the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Anambra State on Friday.
The officials are the Chief of Staff to the state Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, and the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs. Ify Obinabo.
The two government officials were reportedly invited through official letters, notifying them of the planned event which was held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka.
Despite the Women’s Affairs Ministry being domiciled in the same premises where the event was held, the commissioner neither attended the event nor sent representatives from the ministry to honour the event.
Ikengaonline reports that the event was a one-day inaugural retreat of the newest executive members of the Joint National Association Of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter.
The executive members were recently elected to coordinate the affairs of PWDs, popularise the Disabilities law, and ensure its implementation at the local government levels of the state.
Our correspondent learnt that the group had sought the presence of the officials to pour their frustrations over the perceived neglect and non-implementation of the Disabilities Rights Law enacted in the state in 2018.
Speaking at the event, Barr. Peter Moneke decried that the administration of Soludo has not shown interest and concern in the affairs of persons with disabilities, noting that the provisions of the law are poorly implemented.
He said exclusion, neglect, and inability to access public and private facilities remain daily experiences of persons with disabilities in the state despite the existence of the law and a commission established to ensure its implementation.
In the same vein, Human Rights Activist and Director of Civil Rights Concern, Mr. Okey Onyeka, while explaining the importance of the law, urged government and instituted authorities to ensure the implementation of the provisions enshrined in the law. According to him such move will ensure equity and inclusiveness of PWDs in the state.
JONAPWD Anambra State Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke said time had come for his members to retool, and re-strategise towards ensuring that the provisions of the law are met for the good and benefit of the PWDs in the state.
Congratulating the newly elected coordinators, Comrade Okeke reminded that persons with disabilities remain essential and influential members of society, hence the strive for positive change and inclusivity for all individuals with disabilities in the state.
He also said, “The retreat gave us the chance to harness our collective expertise and experiences towards generating innovative ideas, discovering new strategies, and developing various aspects of life.”
Ugochukwu reiterated that the bottom-to-top approach of his administration remains in the interest and welfare of JONAPWD members at the grassroots level especially those in hard-to-reach areas.
He admonished members to be good ambassadors of their families, association, and the state irrespective of situation and circumstance.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Ify Obinabo, said she was aware of the event but was unable to attend because she had traveled to Abuja and as also having health concerns.
“I went to Abuja and came back with unstable BP. I’m still lying down here trying to recover.”
She however failed to give substantial reason when asked why her ministry was not represented at the event.
Meanwhile, effort made to reach the Chief of Staff was futile as his phone was switched off as at the time of filing this report.
