JONAPWD to stakeholders: Champion disability dignity, inclusion
Chinedum Treasure
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter has charged stakeholders to champion the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their various communities.
The call was made during a Community Sensitisation on Persons with Disabilities Rights and Response Mechanisms held in Nkpologwu Community, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The programme, organised with support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA in partnership with JONAPWD, attracted religious, political, traditional and community stakeholders, including the traditional ruler of the community who was represented by members of the Igwe-in-Council.
Speaking at the event, State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu-Ernest Okeke urged traditional, religious and community leaders, families and other stakeholders to move beyond sympathy towards meaningful inclusion of PWDs in community life and decision-making.
Quoting the Igbo proverb, “Otu onye adịghị awa oji ta ya nanị ya,” he stressed that disability inclusion requires collective effort, noting that “Nothing about Persons with Disabilities should be decided without their meaningful participation.”
State Vice Chairman of JONAPWD, Comr. Ifeanyi Igwegbe, explained that the sensitisation became necessary following ignorance of many PWDs and stakeholders of existence and contents of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, 2018.
He said the programme was aimed at helping stakeholders understand the law, its implementation and their role as disability rights ambassadors.
In his presentation, state Legal Adviser of JONAPWD, Barr. Peter Muoneke highlighted key provisions of the law, including protection from discrimination, access to justice, education, employment, healthcare, public infrastructure, marriage and family life, social participation and political participation.
He emphasised that opportunities for persons with disabilities should be treated as rights and not acts of charity or favour, while calling on community leaders, political actors and other stakeholders to ensure that public spaces and activities are accessible and inclusive.
The programme also featured a legal counselling session for PWDs by the JONAPWD legal team, as well as skills exhibition showcasing the productive abilities of PWDs in areas including agriculture, confectionery, soap-making, beadwork and other crafts.
Stakeholders at the event reaffirmed their commitment to inclusion and building communities where persons with disabilities are not merely accommodated, but fully included and empowered.
Among them were members of the Igwe-in-council who promised to carry the message back to the traditional ruler of the community.
Okpala Naco, representative of the President General of Nkpologwu Progressive Union, pledged to construct a ramp at the community town hall, increase PWD participation in community scholarship opportunities and sustain their inclusion in community committees.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Nkpologwu Community, Ezike Ugochukwu promised to create awareness about disability rights in the community and Aguata LGA, while Ajugo Amaka Rose, Community Women Leader, pledged to champion the welfare of PWDs.
Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Prof. Obiora Nwosu promised immediate admission for any PWD recommended to him by JONAPWD's community coordinator, Mrs Chinenye Ezendu.
The Mayor of Aguata LGA, Hon. Chibueze Ofobuike, disclosed that PWDs had been included among beneficiaries of the state government's empowerment programme.
He promised to prioritise PWDs in the LGA's tertiary education scholarship application and support future JONAPWD programmes and the provision of assistive devices.
Ofobuike also supported the skills exhibition by purchasing all the displayed items for distribution to participants.
Highlight of the event was presentation of copies of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, 2018 to stakeholders to encourage wider knowledge and implementation of the law.
