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From Magnus Eze, Enugu
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Enugu State chapter, is bothered that the disability law is not being implemented in the state.
The group comprises a diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to, the visually impaired, physically challenged, persons with spinal cord injuries, leprosy survivors, individuals with albinism, deaf persons and many others.
Topmost in their demands is the establishment of the Disability Commission, as stipulated in the Enugu State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Law, 2023.
They are seeking the collaboration of civil society organisations to push for the implementation of the law, the way they jointly advocated for the passage of the law in April last year before the then governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, assented to it in May 2023.
State chapter chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, in a message to CSOs and media professionals in the state, appealed for their solidarity and support: “Dear esteemed Enugu civil society organizations, the gentlemen of the media, religious leaders and other stakeholders, we sincerely appreciate your solidarity and support in joining our call to action. Your partnership means a lot to us as we strive for the implementation of the Enugu State Disability Law and the establishment of the State Disability Rights Commission.
“You have been doing it before, and we trust and believe you can do it again especially on this particular legislation targeted at this special community and the most vulnerable group in our society. It might interest you to know that 22 States in Nigeria are presently enjoying the provisions of this legal framework, demonstrating the universally designed principle of inclusion, accessibility and participation for all.
“Together, we will make a difference and create a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities can thrive. We look forward to fruitful deliberations and strategies in the coming weeks, and we will share our action plans soon.”
The group expressed its utmost belief in the media and CSOs in promoting the universally designed principle of inclusion, accessibility and participation for all.
“We seek and pray for the Messiah whom divinity has set out for the sake of humanity in this regard.”
