Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Persons with disabilities under the auspices of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Anambra State Chapter, have taken to campaigns to promote inclusivity and equal access for disability community in the state.
The group stormed New Life Church during their Sunday Service to advocate for the construction of ramps, accessible restrooms, and other facilities that would enable persons with disabilities to worship comfortably.
Addressing the congregation, leader of the team and Vice Chairman Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Ifeanyi Igwegbe, emphasised the need for religious leaders to make worship centers accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities. He stressed that churches have a moral obligation to provide an environment where all members, regardless of their abilities, can feel welcome and valued.
Lending her voice, JONAPWD Anambra Public Relation Officer, Chidinma Ajemba, regretted that the majority of the churches are built with high stairs, making it extremely impossible to access the church buildings.
According to her, “Our members are desirous of worshipping with you every Sunday but church buildings are not accessible. Some of us don’t go to church because they don’t like relying on being carried by hefty men into church buildings.
“We no longer want our members to stay at home and watch church programmes on Facebook and other social media platforms. We are tired of being absent in the house of God. We want to join, contribute our quota to God’s service and be partakers of His blessings.”
She urged the church management to build a ramp in one of the entrances to the church building to facilitate free movement of PWDs using either crutches or wheelchairs.
Ncheta Nwanokwara, Chairman Association of Anambra State Women with Disabilities (AASWOWD) said making worship centres and other public buildings accessible is one of the key provisions of the Disability Rights Law of the state.
She, as well, urged the church to ensure the construction ramps to aid movements. She also charged worshippers to ensure their town halls, hotels, offices, shops and social centres are disability friendly as provided by the law.
On his own, Vincent Onwubugha, JONAPWD Admin Officer, encouraged the worshippers to cascade the information to friends and families to ensure that the environment is accessible and accommodating for the disabled community.
Responding on behalf of the church, Elder Sam Nwanya, a senior elder and President Born Again Christian Association of Nigeria, Awka branch, commended the team for their efforts and expressed willingness to work with them to address the accessibility concerns.
“We recognise the importance of inclusivity and are committed to making our church a welcoming space for all,” he said.
Ikengaonline reports that the campaign is part of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the society.
