Umuahia, Abia State – May 28, 2025 — In a strong push for inclusive governance and equal participation, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) convened a transformative one-day capacity-building workshop aimed at promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in decision-making processes across Abia State.
Held in the state capital, Umuahia, the workshop brought together key stakeholders, government officials, and leaders within the disability community, all united by a shared vision: to advance the rights, voice, and visibility of persons with disabilities in governance structures at all levels.
In his warm welcome address, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, the Acting Director of CCD, set the tone for the day by emphasizing the importance of knowledge, empowerment, and advocacy in dismantling barriers that have historically sidelined PWDs from leadership and participation.
“This gathering is more than a workshop; it is a movement toward ensuring that no one is left behind,” Unumeri declared. “Today, we arm ourselves with knowledge and strategy to ensure that PWDs are not only seen but heard, respected, and represented where decisions are made.”
Stakeholders Commend CCD’s Impactful Work
Goodwill messages flowed from dignitaries representing critical arms of government. Officials from the Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Budget and Planning, and the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons all echoed a united stance — reaffirming the commitment of the Abia State Government to the principles of inclusive governance, social inclusion, and equal opportunities for all citizens, particularly PWDs.
Mr. David Anyaele, the dynamic Chairman of the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, commended CCD for its tireless advocacy and leadership in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities.
“CCD continues to break new ground. Your work inspires institutions like ours to do better, think inclusively, and implement policies that reflect the diversity and strength of our people,” he stated.
Spotlight on Disability Rights and Governance
The technical session of the workshop featured a powerful presentation by the respected disability rights expert, Dr. Babatunde Asenuga, who delved into the theme: “Understanding Disability Rights and Participation in Governance.” Dr. Asenuga outlined international frameworks, Nigeria’s legal instruments, and practical strategies that PWDs can use to assert their rights and demand representation at all levels of governance.
Participants engaged enthusiastically with the content, raising insightful questions and offering contributions on how to localize and implement the strategies presented.
Calls for Action and Strategic Recommendations
Following the presentation, participants broke into discussions and shared passionate recommendations aimed at further enhancing the role of PWDs in governance:
- Grassroots Sensitization: Participants stressed the need for continuous awareness campaigns in rural communities to dismantle deep-rooted stigma and discrimination.
- Accessible Legal Resources: There were repeated calls for the production of disability laws and public documents in accessible formats such as braille, audio formats, and sign language interpretation.
- Political Participation: Participants highlighted the urgent need for PWDs to not only vote but also contest for political positions, join political parties, and shape policy from within.
- Disability Desk Officers in MDAs: To institutionalize disability inclusion, participants recommended that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) appoint dedicated Disability Desk Officers who would champion PWD-related issues within government structures.
- Unity Within the Disability Community: The importance of solidarity, internal advocacy, and mutual support within the disability community was a recurring theme, with participants encouraged to work collectively for a stronger, more unified movement.
- Knowledge Sharing: As the workshop concluded, attendees were urged to replicate the training by sharing the knowledge and tools gained with others in their communities, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and inclusion.
Support from Disability Rights Fund
The event was made possible through the generous support of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), a global grant-making collaborative that supports disabled persons’ organizations around the world to advance the human rights of PWDs.
Through this collaboration, CCD continues to serve as a beacon of hope and progress for the disability community in Nigeria, championing the cause of inclusion with integrity, consistency, and passion.
A Step Forward
As the curtain fell on the day’s activities, one thing was clear: Abia State is taking deliberate steps toward building a more inclusive society. With committed partners like CCD, empowered citizens with disabilities, and the strong backing of government actors, the vision of inclusive governance in Abia State is not only possible — it is inevitable.
