JONAPWD Begs Soludo to Approve Mobility Aid Allowance for Workers with Disabilities

By Praise Chinecherem

Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to approve mobility aid allowance for civil servants with disabilities to cushion the prevailing high cost of living.

Chairman, Comr. Ugochukwu Okeke who made the appeal on Tuesday at the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities Celebration, also called for provision of at least two 18-seater buses to address transportation and mobility challenges of his members in the state.

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.

He however appreciated the governor and his wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo (Disability Ambassador) 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.

“We also appeal to our dear governor to consider appointing more qualified members of our community to political offices, as stipulated in Section 52 of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018

“We urge him to direct the Honorable Commissioner for Youths to organize a special “One Youth, Two Skills” program for persons with disabilities, to benefit a greater number of our members.

“We further beg Mr Governor to extend Christmas gifts to Ndi Anambra with disabilities, as a gesture of goodwill from our esteemed governor,” he added.

According to the JONAPWD boss, the occasion was 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.

“This day is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities around the world. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and contributions of persons with disabilities while reaffirming our commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible society.

“At the same time, we must recognize the challenges that still lie ahead. We must continue to break down barriers and ensure equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities,” he added.

While reaffirming his leadership commitment to championing the rights of persons with disabilities and advocating for policies that promote their full participation in all aspects of society, Okeke called on all sectors of society to join hands with them towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

His words, “It’s heartening to note that we are no longer where we were 10 years ago. This progress is thanks to the state government, civil society organizations, the media, the church, private individuals, traditional institutions, and development partners—especially the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Project.

“With funding from the European Union and implementation by International IDEA, RoLAC has supported advocacy and sensitization efforts, particularly within communities and religious bodies, to improve access for persons with disabilities. Our success stories would not be complete without your valuable contributions.

“However, we are not yet where we need to be in terms of access and inclusion in state programs and activities. The inaccessibility of public structures and the transportation system remains a serious challenge that limits our active participation in society.

“The exclusion of our members from appointments and elective positions causes us sleepless nights, while the non-functionality of some rehabilitation centers where our members could be trained and empowered is a significant concern.

“It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to build a society that is inclusive and accommodating to the needs of persons with disabilities. This requires providing greater access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services, while also promoting a culture of respect, understanding, and acceptance.

“Let us use this day to reaffirm the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and recommit ourselves to building a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can live with respect, equality, and independence.

“This year’s celebration has been carefully designed to ensure that no participant leaves without gaining new and valuable insights. We have invited seasoned scholars to handle various topics that will deepen our understanding of this year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”

“They will also provide an opportunity to assess the implementation of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law over the past six years, examining its achievements, challenges, and the way forward.”

Also speaking, chairperson of the Agency on Violence against Persons Prohibition Act in Anambra, Hope Okoye regretted growing cases of Gender-based Violence (GBV), particularly among PWDs.

She urged them not to die in silence but to speak up against such evil acts, assuring of prompt assistance by her committee.

Chairperson, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC) Chuks Ezewuzie announced that state government has mapped out budget for Volunteer Readers with responsibility of reading for virtually impaired persons in educational institutions