The Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, Mr. David Anyaele, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening the capacity and capabilities of disaster management responders in the state, ensuring that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are not left behind during emergencies.
Anyaele made this declaration at a one-day capacity-building workshop on disability-inclusive disaster management practices held in Aba. The training, organized by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in collaboration with the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, was supported by the Disability Rights Fund.
Ensuring No One is Left Behind in Disaster Response
Disasters strike indiscriminately, affecting all individuals regardless of their abilities, yet PWDs are often the most vulnerable when emergencies occur. This stark reality fueled the urgency behind the workshop, where disaster responders, climate change personnel, and key stakeholders were trained on best practices for disability-inclusive emergency preparedness and response.
“Disaster does not discriminate. It does not recognize disability or ability. This is why we must take deliberate steps to ensure that stakeholders have the knowledge and skills to respond effectively, particularly where persons with disabilities are involved,” Anyaele emphasized.
He stressed that every agency, ministry, and department of government must integrate disability inclusion into their disaster response framework, ensuring that policies and interventions cater to the needs of PWDs.
A Government Committed to Inclusion
Anyaele, who also serves as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, lauded Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering support for disability inclusion. He commended the governor’s recent directive mandating that all public infrastructure, including parking spaces, be made accessible to persons with disabilities.
“Governor Otti has demonstrated remarkable commitment to fostering an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are not treated as an afterthought. His policies prioritize accessibility, participation, and equal opportunities for all,” Anyaele remarked.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Disaster Preparedness
The Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, highlighted that effective disaster management begins with understanding the unique needs of PWDs. He emphasized the importance of first responders identifying individuals with disabilities and determining the appropriate response mechanisms for different types of disabilities.
“Many responders do not realize that communication is key in evacuating PWDs during disasters. You need to understand their specific needs, whether they are visually impaired, hearing impaired, or have mobility challenges, and tailor your response accordingly,” Unumeri explained.
Expert Insights on Inclusive Disaster Management
A leading expert in risk management, Dr. Queensley Chukwudum, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Insurance and Risk Management, University of Uyo, facilitated sessions on “Integrating Disability Inclusion in Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness” and “Disability-Inclusive Disaster Management: Key Principles and Best Practices.”
She underscored the importance of fostering collaboration between disaster management agencies and PWDs, ensuring that persons with disabilities are actively involved in planning, decision-making, and execution of emergency response efforts.
“We cannot afford to wait until disaster strikes before considering the needs of PWDs. Inclusion must be embedded in emergency preparedness plans from the outset,” Chukwudum stated.
A Climate-Responsive Ministry Committed to Disability Inclusion
The Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Chris Ike, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to integrating disability inclusion in climate change initiatives. He noted that PWDs are often the first casualties in climate-related disasters, making it crucial to include them in policy formulation and disaster risk reduction strategies.
“When disasters occur, persons with disabilities are the most affected. That is why we ensured that PWD representatives were actively involved in drafting the Abia State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan,” Ike revealed.
He assured that throughout the year, the Ministry of Environment will implement several programs that directly involve PWDs, fostering their participation in climate adaptation and disaster resilience efforts.
A Unified Front for Inclusive Disaster Management
The workshop assembled a broad range of stakeholders, including:
- State Fire Service
- State Emergency Management Agency
- Ministry of Environment
- Ministry of Health
- Civil society organizations
- Heads of PWD clusters
The training aimed to equip these first responders and stakeholders with the tools to make disaster response in Abia State more inclusive, efficient, and effective.
As Abia State continues to advance its disability inclusion agenda, workshops like this reinforce the urgent need for a multi-sectoral approach to disaster preparedness—one that leaves no one behind. With sustained commitment from the government, advocacy groups, and disaster responders, PWDs in Abia State will no longer be marginalized in emergency situations, but rather, prioritized and protected.
This landmark initiative sets the tone for what could become a national model for disability-inclusive disaster management, proving that true inclusion goes beyond policy—it is about proactive action and meaningful change.
