Obiano Gives Another Christmas Gift to Persons with Disabilities in Anambra State
It is another joyous Christmas celebration in the disability community in Anambra state as the governor of the state, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, has approved the appointment of about 131 qualified persons with disabilities into the state civil service. This is in fulfilment to his earlier commitment to ensure the access to education and employment to persons with disabilities.
The exercise which started today at the office of the Civil Service Commission, Awka, with about 60 persons with disabilities receiving their appointments letters, is expected to also take place tomorrow and continue after the Christmas break.
Coming at a time when some state governors are finding it difficult to pay their workers as a result of the economic recession in the country caused by the COVID 19 pandemic, this and the prompt payment of workers in the state have not only demonstrated capacity, but also love and commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities in Anambra state.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra state chapter, Comr. Ugochukwu Okeke, expressed his joy,
“It is a memorable Christmas for ndi Anambra with disabilities At a time when other governors are struggling with the payment of their workers’ salaries as a result of the economic recession, our own governor, Akpokuodike, is employing more persons – persons with disabilities. It shows his commitment to the disability community in Anambra state, and we are very happy and grateful to him.”He has indeed proved that the issues of persons with disabilities in Anambra state has been transformed from objects of charity to subject of Rights.
One of the beneficiaries, Nwabunwanne Romanus, a blind graduate, also expressed his joy,
“I’m very excited about this appointment. It’s like a dream come true. I’m very grateful to His Excellency, Akpokuodike, for this unforgettable Christmas gift to Ndi Anambra with disabilities. May God continue to bless and establish him.”
We will recall that in 2017, the governor approved the employment of about 65 qualified persons with disabilities into the state work force. Similarly, on December 18, 2018, the governor gave a memorable Christmas gift to the disability community with his assent to the Disabilities Rights Bill into law, thereby making Anambra state the first state in the South East with the Disabilities Rights Law. Indeed, His Excellency chief Dr.Willie Obiano has done unforgettable for ndi Anambra with Disabilities.
©Elizabeth Chinenye Ikele,
M&E Officer.
For: JONAPWD Anambra
