The Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons has expressed its heartfelt appreciation for Governor Alex Otti’s visionary plans for the inclusion and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state, which are set to be implemented in 2025. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mr. David Anyaele, Chairman of the Commission, hailed the governor’s commitment to improving the lives of disabled citizens, affirming that the government’s goals for PWDs are both timely and inspiring.
Anyaele’s statement comes after Governor Otti’s New Year address, in which he emphasized his administration’s focus on addressing the social needs of Abians living with disabilities. According to the Commission’s chairman, the governor’s pledge to support PWDs and ensure their participation in all facets of governance signals a brighter future for the state’s disabled community.
“Inclusion and active participation of Abians with disabilities in governance are now firmly on the agenda. It is indeed a promising time to be an Abian,” Anyaele remarked, reflecting on the state’s ongoing transformation. He added that the commitment demonstrated by the governor aligns with the Commission’s mission to create a more inclusive, supportive, and accessible environment for all citizens, regardless of physical challenges.
Governor Otti’s words in his New Year message to the state further reinforced this sentiment, as he hailed the resilience and strength of Abians with disabilities, dubbing them “heroes and heroines.” In his address, Otti reiterated his firm resolve to continue supporting the Abia State Disability Commission, ensuring that it has the resources and backing needed to effectively cater to the diverse needs of the state’s disabled population.
“The Abia State Disability Commission will receive continued government support to ensure that we meet the social needs of our brothers and sisters living with disabilities. These individuals are not just overcoming challenges; they are true heroes and heroines who inspire us all,” Governor Otti declared.
The governor also took pride in the impressive achievements of Abia’s Paralympians at the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games in Paris, highlighting their sterling performance as a testament to the potential that exists within the disabled community when given the right tools and support. He attributed this success to the unwavering dedication of the athletes, as well as the state’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for disabled individuals to thrive.
“Our Paralympians have shown the world that with determination and the right support, nothing is impossible,” Otti said, emphasizing that the state would continue to enhance its efforts to foster inclusivity and remove barriers faced by PWDs.
Furthermore, the governor urged Abians with disabilities to persist in overcoming obstacles and continue striving to excel despite the physical limitations they may face. He expressed admiration for their strength and resilience, underscoring the invaluable life lessons their journeys offer.
“The lives of persons with disabilities teach us profound lessons of fortitude, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of purpose,” Otti noted. “We stand by them, and we will continue to work together to break down the barriers that impede their full participation in society.”
Governor Otti’s promise to prioritize the needs of PWDs reflects a broader vision for an inclusive Abia, where every citizen, regardless of their physical condition, is afforded the opportunity to contribute to society. As the state gears up for 2025, it is clear that the welfare of persons with disabilities is no longer an afterthought but a central focus of governance.
With these pledges in place, the Abia State government is setting a new standard for how persons with disabilities are perceived and supported, both in the state and beyond. As the new year begins, the state’s disabled community can look forward to a future where their rights, dignity, and potential are truly celebrated.
