Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State have displayed dissatisfaction and disappointment over what has become regular failure of government officials to attend their events.
Ikengaonline reports that 3rd of December is celebrated annually is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, and PWDs in Anambra, like their counterparts, had extended invitations to different government officials including the governor’s wife to participate in their long-awaited event.
Over a thousand PWDs present at the event had also looked forward to the day as an opportunity for renewed hope and advocacy for their rights, inclusion and fair representation in the state.
However, it turned out to be another day of frustration as the Commissioners including Women Affairs, Information, and Transport respectively were not represented. Also, Council Chairman of Aguata LGA and his counterpart in Idemmili South did not honour the event.
With the disappointments written all over their faces, some of the PWDs said they have lost another opportunity to relate physically with the government and to make them understand their plights in the state.
One of them who gave his name as Vincent Onwubuya even said: “Their absence is becoming deliberate. I can’t remember the last time they honoured our event.
“Every year, during our disability day, we send out invitations to them but at the end, we end up not seeing not even a representative. Maybe in future events we can start forgetting about inviting them.”
However, the Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, clarified matters when he spoke exclusively to Ikengaonline that though the officials were invited, he was later informed that commissioners were having Exco meeting with the governor.
He also said they neither honoured their invitations nor were represented at the event.
Comrade Okeke during his address said the occasion was an opportunity for his members to reflect on their progress in advancing the rights of PWDs, particularly through advocacy for the speedy implementation of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018.
He appreciated the governor and his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for their development strides in areas such as mass employment of teachers and medical personnel, road construction and development of facilities that had made the State more livable and prosperous.
He appealed to the Governor to approve mobility aid allowance for civil servants with disabilities to cushion the prevailing high cost of living.
He also urged the governor to direct Commissioner for Housing to ensure facilities in the state like Ekwueme Square, Awka Fun City, and the utility hall at Women Development Centre were made accessible to his members as provided in Sections 23 and 26 of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018.
Okeke called on all sectors of society to join hands with them towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Speaking on the event theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” JONAPWD Legal Adviser, Barr Peter Muoneke, advocated for full implementation of Anambra State 2018 disability rights law, urging private and public institutions to allow them access to their building structures. He also called for support of PWDs to contest and win or get appointed into various leadership positions, among others.
State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Moses Ezedebego, represented by a member, Mr Mark Odogwu assured that they would commence building of ramps and others with a view to ensure that PWDs gain equal access to their institutions.
Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Area, Anayo Orjiakor represented by the Speaker of the Ihiala Local Government Legislative Council, Hon. McAnthony Nwabueze, inspired PWDs to strive for success, emphasising that true vision goes beyond physical sight.
Chairman of Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, ASDRC, Barr. Chuks Ezewuzie, encouraged them to cultivate resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic, and to prioritise education and self-development as the key to transforming their lives.
ICT expert, Engr. Sandra Chioma Okoye, charged PWDs to deepen or improve knowledge of digital technology so as to relate much better with society, improve access, productivity, employment and personal growth.
On his part, the immediate past State Chairman of JONAPWD, Mr Lawrence Nwanolue, hailed the association leadership for improvement in imparting knowledge and new ideas into their members for inclusion, growth and diversity.
Speaking at a panel discussion, a journalist, Comrade Lawrence Nwimo charged PWDs to seek elective, voluntary and appointed positions to gain insights, enhance opportunities and advocate for societal inclusion.
In the other presentation, Mrs Hope Okoye of Multi-stakeholders Action for the Prevention of GBV (MAP-GBV), an Action-Aid project, urged PWDs to champion awareness campaigns and capacity-building programmes that challenge harmful cultural norms and promote gender equality in the state.
