From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State has said that none of its members would engage in street begging.
JONAPWD flaunted this achievement during its 10th anniversary celebrations held at the legislative complex of the Council Area, recently.
Its Secretary, Osita Anyamele disclosed that the group had registered a fully functional cooperative society: “To the glory of God, we are able to ensure that no person living with disability in Nnewi North is begging on the streets.”
He, however, stated that their members had some challenges, the most pressing being a bus that would convey them to events since according to him, “some of us cannot access public transport due to the situation on ground. We also need more seats for our meetings.”
He called on government, public-spirited organizations and individuals to help them.
State Chairman of JONAPWD, Ugochukwu Okeke said the group has made commendable progress in recognizing and valuing the unique abilities and talents of individuals with disabilities: “The past decade has been particularly remarkable. It saw the rise of numerous initiatives, organizations, and movements dedicated to advocating for opportunities and breaking down barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Thanks to these efforts, we’ve come a long way in creating a more accessible and inclusive world.
“One aspect that deserves special recognition is the empowerment of individuals with disabilities. Empowerment means giving people the tools, support, and confidence they need to achieve their full potential. By empowering individuals with disabilities, society enables them to take control of their lives, make choices, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
He further noted that celebrating a decade of empowerment and inclusion meant acknowledging the milestones achieved so far by the association including the positive impact of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their disabilities, had access to quality education.
He also explained that the celebration meant applauding the employers who had embraced diverse workforces and provided inclusive employment opportunities.
In addition, Okeke saluted those who had fought for accessible infrastructure, transportation, and technology, making the world a more inclusive place for everyone.
He said the association would continue to ensure that individuals with disabilities had equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
He commended the State and Local Government Councils for recognising persons with disabilities in their workforce.
Okeke called on the traditional rulers, churches and others concerned with public buildings to always design such structures to be accessible to persons with disabilities.