The Abia State Government has taken a significant step in promoting inclusivity and empowerment by training leaders of various disability clusters on effective leadership.
Through the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, the government organized a two-day intensive leadership training in Umuahia, equipping leaders of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with the skills needed to drive meaningful change within their respective groups.
The workshop, which commenced on Monday, brought together representatives from seven key disability clusters: the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Abia State Deaf Association, National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), Albinism Association of Nigeria, Leprosy Association, and the Association of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
Strengthening Leadership for PWDs
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Commission, Mr. David Anyaele, emphasized that the training was a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of PWDs across the state.
“This initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the empowerment and welfare of disability cluster groups. Our goal is to equip PWD leaders with the skills necessary to maximize their potential, seize available opportunities, and effectively lead their communities in alignment with the New Abia State Project,” Anyaele stated.
The chairman further highlighted that the Commission was determined to reposition PWD organizations to attract both local and international support. He also noted that a key objective of the training was to curb internal conflicts and disunity among PWD leaders, which often hinder progress.
“This program is an opportunity for leaders to redefine their vision, map out strategies, and identify low-hanging fruits that will set them on the right path toward achieving their goals,” Anyaele added.
A Governor Committed to Disability Inclusion
The event also served as a platform to acknowledge Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering support for disability inclusion in Abia State.
“Governor Otti is a strong advocate of effective leadership, recognition, and the participation of persons with disabilities in governance. His administration has demonstrated this commitment by appointing six individuals with disabilities into key positions,” Anyaele revealed.
Furthermore, the governor has made significant strides in fostering accessibility, including approving the establishment of the Zonal Office of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in Umuahia.
“His directives to make all public buildings and bus stops accessible to persons with disabilities reflect his genuine dedication to inclusivity,” Anyaele stated.
Training the Trainers: A Pathway to Greater Representation
One of the facilitators, Mr. Adegbemi King, an international consultant on leadership and development, underscored the crucial role of PWD leaders in advocating for inclusion, shaping policies, and empowering their communities.
“This is a train-the-trainer workshop. It is not just about learning leadership skills but about equipping these leaders to take their rightful place in decision-making bodies where they can directly influence policies that affect them,” King explained.
He stressed that leadership is a learnable skill and encouraged participants to embrace principles such as self-awareness, resilience, effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability.
Participants Embrace a New Leadership Perspective
For many attendees, the training was an eye-opener, offering fresh insights into leadership and governance.
Mr. David Onuoha, Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), expressed gratitude to the Commission, noting that the training had transformed their perception of leadership.
“This program has corrected many of the misconceptions we previously had about leadership. It has inspired us to become better leaders, not just for ourselves but for our community,” Onuoha said.
A Step Forward for Disability Inclusion in Abia
The leadership training for PWD clusters in Abia marks a critical milestone in the state’s drive toward inclusive governance. By empowering disability leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective representation, the state government is paving the way for greater participation of PWDs in decision-making processes.
As the participants return to their communities, the expectation is that they will translate the lessons learned into tangible actions, fostering unity, driving advocacy, and ensuring that persons with disabilities in Abia State have a stronger voice in governance and society.
