Disability group hails Otti, calls Abia model state for inclusion

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan, has lauded Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for his commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

Speaking during a working visit to Otti in Abia State, Gufwan, on behalf of his colleagues, commended the governor for his inclusive policies and the establishment of a state commission for persons with disabilities.

“We are deeply appreciative that upon your assumption of office, you established the Abia State equivalent of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities,” Gufwan said. “I commend you and express the heartfelt appreciation of the 35 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria. We say thank you for what you have done for us.”

Gufwan revealed that the visit to Abia was aimed at appealing to the governor to provide a facility for the Southeast zonal office of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. He noted that Abia was chosen due to its reputation as a hospitable state for persons with disabilities.

“There is no place that is as hospitable to persons with disabilities in this region other than Abia State, and that is why we are here. We are 35 million, and we don’t have an office anywhere other than the office in Abuja. It is very difficult to administer this huge number from one location. So, people in the Southeastern part of Nigeria who need our services can just access our zonal office,” he stated.

In his response, Otti highlighted his administration’s policy of inclusiveness and non-discrimination. He also disclosed his government’s focus on meritocracy, noting the appointment of a Head of Service from the South-South region as an example of his administration’s open-minded approach.

“Our government does not discriminate against persons with disabilities, women, or people based on their religious beliefs or where they come from,” Otti said.“We pride ourselves as the first state in recent times to appoint a Head of Service who is not from Abia or the Southeast but from the South-South.”

Encouraging persons with disabilities, Otti said having a disability does not define a person as disabled. He also acceded to their request for a Southeast zonal office in the state, assuring them of swift action.

“I want you to leave here convinced, knowing fully well that we have not only heard but have approved it. My Special Assistant on Persons with Disabilities will liaise with the Director General of Umuahia Capital Development Authority and the Commissioner for Lands and Housing to identify a befitting office for the Southeast zone of the council. I am sure that in the next two or three months, your office will relocate to that place, and you, Ayuba, will be invited back to receive the office,” the governor assured.