Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has restated government’s resolve to mitigate barriers inhibiting Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.

He also urged them to resist things that could hinder them from actualising their potentials and embrace government’s developmental programmes.

The governor spoke, yesterday, at a roundtable dialogue for PWDs, organised by Centre for Citizens With Disabilities (CCD), to mark the 2023 International Day of Persons With Disabilities.
Represented by his Special Assistant (Disabilities), David Anyaele, he challenged them to resist discrimination on the basis of their challenges and avail themselves to programmes, facilities and activities by the government, including provisions of the extant State Disabilities Law.

Otti assured them that his government will step up awareness on incidents of discrimination and other harmful practices. He said: “Government recognises that the disability community is challenged by a plethora of barriers made worse due to unimaginable neglect by previous governments.”

A legal practitioner and member of the State Advisory Committee on Disability Matters, Okechukwu Kanu, urged PWDs to work harder towards full implementation of the state disability law and bring it to public knowledge.

CCD Interim Head, Florence Austin represented by the Abia state Programme Officer, Rachel Agomoh, said that the day was observed to highlight disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity and well-being of PWDs.