The disability community under the auspices of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State chapter, is seeking proactive measures to ensure effective enforcement of the Disability Rights Law enacted by the state government. JONAPWD also advocates for the inclusion of members of the disability community in decision-making bodies to contribute meaningfully to policy development and programme implementation.
Making this known in Awka, the State capital, State Chairman JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, noted that persons with disabilities significantly contribute to education, sports, business, culture, innovation, and governance, yet they continue to encounter barriers that hinder their full participation.
Okeke expressed concern about ongoing challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Anambra State despite the existing Disability Rights Law. These include inaccessible public buildings and transport systems, limited employment opportunities, weak enforcement of disability laws, discrimination, inadequate assistive devices, poor inclusive education structures, and insufficient representation in decision-making roles.
He urged the state government to strengthen the enforcement of the Disability Rights Law, improve accessibility in public infrastructure, empower the Disability Commission, and expand livelihood and employment programmes. Additionally, he called on religious institutions to make worship more inclusive and to combat stigma within communities.
Speaking on the sideline of the event marking the International Day for Persons with Disability (IDPD) and Praise Day with the theme, “Let’s Praise God,” Okeke noted that the annual IDPD celebration serves as a global platform to raise awareness on disability issues, promote dignity, and advocate for policies that support a truly inclusive society.
He highlighted the global 2025 IDPD theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress,” stressing that meaningful development cannot be achieved when any group, especially persons with disabilities, is excluded from education, employment, healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and community life.
The JONAPWD boss said the event provided an ample opportunity to celebrate the resilience of persons with disabilities and reflect on key issues affecting their welfare, rights, and inclusion.
He commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his re-election, describing the victory as a sign of public confidence, praising the governor and the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for supporting the disability community through empowerment programmes and welfare initiatives.
JONAPWD also appreciated the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for extending economic empowerment to 250 persons with disabilities in Anambra State.
He encouraged them to use the funds responsibly and assured others that future editions of the programme would include more participants.
The event also featured healthcare tips by Dr. Onubogu-led Nigeria Women Medical Association, men worship sessions, a training session by the Nigerian Red Cross, and a lecture by Access Bank on savings and investment.
