From Maurice Okafor, Enugu.
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities(JONAPWD),Enugu state chapter,has appealed to the Enugu state governor,Rt Hon.Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,to give assent to the bill on ‘Inclusive Society’ geared towards integrating people
with disabilities in every facet of life provided for able bodied persons.
JONAWD said a bill to the effect has been passed into law by the state law makers.In a press statement issued in Enugu state yesterday,signed the state chairman,Comrade Onyebuchi Mba,said the law entails full integration of persons with disabilities into the society, establish the Enugu State persons with disabilities agency and vest in the agency the responsibilities for their Education, health, social, economic and civil rights and other connected purposes otherwise refered to as Enugu State Discrimination Against Person’s with Disabilities Prohibition Bill of 2022.
Comrade Mba said their expectations now is for Governor Ugwuanyi to give his assent now that the state assembly has passed the bill into law.
His words,”This is the much anticipated gift by the Government of Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led administration with a paradigm shift from charity to rights base approach on disability matters.
“It is mind-blowing and serves as a morale booster to thousands of persons with disabilities across the 17 local government areas of the State.
“We the community of persons with disabilities in Enugu State welcome with wholeheartedly the inclusive legislation in governance which hence register our dear State Enugu in the world designed principles for inclusive society”.
Stating further,JONAWD expressed gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his executive backing that saw the introduction of the Bill to the State Legislative chamber and pleaded with him to give his assent now,to enhance implementation.
JONAPWD stated,”With profound humility we implore you our Dear Executive Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to give your assent to the all important Bill to give it life as a seal to your Goodwill and benevolence to the community of persons with disabilities.
“You have done pretty good for this special community and we pray God to keep, preserve and reward you bountifully”.
JONAPWD Enugu state chapter,expressed their sincere appreciation to tEnugu state house of assembly speaker,Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi,
The House Leader, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezugwu,
The Deputy Leader, Hon. Mrs Princess Onyinye Ugwu and others for their commitment that excelled the bill in the legislative chambers.
JONAPWD also expressed appreciation to the chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists Enugu State Council(NUJ),Comrade Sam Udekwe,
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs and OPDs); Eminent Empowerment Inclusion Network led by Dr. Ifeoma Chukwuma,
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) led by Sir David Anyaele,
Women Information Network (WINET) under Mrs Meriam Menkiti and Bina Foundation for Persons with Special Needs established by Lady Ifeoma Atuegwu,among others.
