In a bold move and in full support of advancing the course of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) community in the South East Zone, the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has approved the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities zonal office for the entire South East region in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
Governor Otti, who received a delegation from the NCPWD, led by the Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, in the Government House, reaffirmed his state’s commitment to the principles of inclusion in all ramifications.
He noted that he is pleased to approve the Commission’s zonal office in his state because the people and government of Abia State as presently constituted do not discriminate in any guise against the PWDs community, women, or relate to persons based on religious considerations or where they come from.
The governor further stated that he prides himself as an inclusive governor which he has demonstrated by appointing the Head of Service of the State from a state outside of the southeast zone.
His words: ” I appreciate the visit of the NCPWD and wish to state that the government of Abia State is one that does not discriminate against persons with disabilities, women, or relate to persons on the basis of religion or where they come from but purely on principles of meritocracy. I am proud to state that I appointed a Head of Service in the state who is not from the southeast or Abia.”
The governor, who was conferred with the honour of the PILLAR of the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, by the leadership of the Commission reassured the over 35million PWDs in Nigeria of the state’s support noting that his government will secure a beffiting property and office to house the zonal office
and newly created Commission for the Welfare of the Disabled Persons in the state.
According to Governor Otti, the zonal office complex will be beffiting and a thing of pride to the PWDs community and a reference point in the entire nation.
He promised to make the building ready within 2 or 3 months.
He encouraged PWDs not to see their condition as death sentence but should strive never to give up but persevere to achieve their goals in life. “Disability does not make one condemned or disabled but one must rise above that and move on.”
Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, thanked the governor for the gesture and expressed profound appreciation for the donation of the office building which he said will serve as a southeast zonal office.
According to him, the gesture remains one of the greatest things to happen for the PWDs in Nigeria and the entire PWDs from the Zone.
He noted that the governor has continued to serve as a Pillar and voice of the vulnerable group.
He said the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities as an institution established by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the provision of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 with the mandate to improve the quality of lives of the over 35.5 Million persons with disabilities in Nigeria is pleased with the magnanimity of the government of Abia State.
The Executive Secretary added that upon appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 6th August 2024 with a directive to turn around the Commission and ensure that the Commission improves the quality of lives of the over 35.5 Million PWDs across the 774, LGAs, in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT Abuja; in the aspect of education, employment opportunities, empowerment, skills acquisition, provision of mobility aids and appliances, access to public and private buildings, access to work and education materials, inclusive governance, stoppage of discrimination, sensitization to the plights of PWDs, in Nigeria amongst other reasons, the need arose for a quest to establish zonal offices across the six geopolitical zones.
He said the President also directed the Commission to collaborate with all stakeholders and states government to attain the full implementation of the Act, and ensure that aĺl state governments have Disabilities Commissions.
Hon. Gufwan further said the Commission is happy that as a critical stakeholder towards achieving the task, the governor demonstrated commitment by accepting to cite the zonal office in Abia State.
He said the Courtesy Call was to familiarize with the governor and appreciate his inclusive governance and all the good work that he is doing in the state.
” It is on record that since you took over the mantle of leadership one year and half ago, the narratives have changed in the community of the PWDs in Abia State. We sincerely want to express our appreciation for your continued and tireless efforts to change the lives of PWDs during your Administration. This is the first time the community of persons with disabilities are having it so good in the state due to your laudable and inclusive leadership.”
Hon. Gufwan pleaded with the governor to help address challenges facing the Abia State Disability Rights Commission to make it function effectively and efficiently to full potentials.
He mentioned that with the approval, challenges like inadequate funding, provision of official vehicles among others will be addressed also.
Mr David Anyaele, the Special Adviser to the governor and Chairman, Commission for the Welfare of the Disabled Persons said this is his happiest day because the struggle that led to the establishment of the NCPWD is yielding results.
He said there is no doubt that Abia State governor is the most inclusive governor in Nigeria based on his inclusiveness.
He said even Her Excellency, the governor’s wife, Mrs Priscillia Otti, has been clamouring for PWDs inclusiveness in the state.
Mr David Anyaele promised to make the state PWDs, the southeast zone PWDs proud.
He also promised to remove all barriers inhibiting the progress of the PWDs community in Abia in order to see the community prosper.
Signed
Ishaku Kigbu (anipr)
Head, Media and Publicity
National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
