Soludo urged to strengthen commission, enforce rights law
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to strengthen the state’s Disability Commission and enforce the existing Disability Rights Law, for improved participation in society.
The call was made during the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter’s 2025 End-of-Year Meeting and Praise Day, held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia.
Delivering his opening remarks at the meeting, JONAPWD State Chairman Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke decried that despite the existing law, the disability community, which contributes immensely to the development and governance of the state, has continued to face barriers that limit its full participation in society.
He said, “We still face real challenges, such as inaccessibility of public buildings, transport, schools, and health facilities; limited employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities in the organized private sector.”
The JONAPWD chairman called on the state government to improve accessibility in public infrastructure, empower the Disability Commission, and expand livelihood and employment programmes. He also urged religious institutions to make worship centers more inclusive and fight stigma within communities.
He appealed to schools to adopt inclusive learning systems and healthcare facilities to ensure better access, rehabilitation services, and early interventions for children with disabilities.
Okeke said Anambra, compared to other states, has made significant progress on inclusion. He commended Governor Soludo on his re-election and praised his administration’s support for the disability community.
He also appreciated the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for extending economic empowerment to 250 PWDs in Anambra State, saying it would enhance their financial independence.
“On behalf of the entire community of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra State, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the wife of the President, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her recent economic empowerment support to 250 Persons with Disabilities in our state.
“This gesture, well delivered through the wife of our Governor, Her Excellency Dr. Nonye Soludo, is a great encouragement and a strong statement of commitment to the welfare and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
“We are deeply grateful for this act of kindness, which will go a long way in enhancing the economic independence and dignity of our members.”
He encouraged PWDs to use the funds responsibly and assured others that future editions of the programme would include more participants.
The chairman acknowledged the contributions of Naira Rice Limited, EmeNet International Ltd., the Ministry of Health, private donors, and members of the disability community for supporting the event.
He urged the association members to remain united and build their skills to take advantage of available opportunities in the state and beyond.
At the meeting, members of JONAPWD expressed concerns and offered suggestions, including increased participation in sports and other state activities to strengthen unity and improve their wellbeing.
Okeke thanked his members for their observations and assured them that their concerns would be addressed. He urged continued unity and cooperation for the growth of the association.
The meeting featured health talk delivered by Dr Chinyere Onubogu, worship and interactive sessions with teams from the Nigerian Red Cross and Access Bank.
