In a bold and progressive move to tackle poverty and promote inclusion, the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons is seeking a robust partnership with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality of life for over 400,000 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state, ensuring their access to essential programs, resources, and opportunities.
On Thursday, during a pivotal courtesy visit, Mr. David Anyaele, the Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, laid the groundwork for this partnership in a meeting with Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection. The primary goal of this collaboration is to alleviate poverty among PWDs, eliminate the barriers that limit their participation in society, and guarantee that they are not left behind in government programs.
Poverty and Disability: A Vicious Cycle
Anyaele, a staunch advocate for the rights of PWDs, highlighted the direct link between poverty and disability, stating that the two often exacerbate each other. “Every day, we are bombarded with reports of poverty spreading like wildfire across the country,” he said. “This crisis indirectly fuels the increase in disability, as poverty is both a cause and a consequence of disability.”
The Chairman explained that people with disabilities often find themselves trapped in poverty due to a lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment. Meanwhile, people living in poverty face higher risks of acquiring disabilities due to malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and dangerous living conditions.
In light of this, Anyaele stressed the urgent need for the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation to roll out tailored social safety programs that directly benefit PWDs. He noted that such programs could range from digital training and recreational activities to the distribution of palliatives such as cash transfers, grants, cooperative support, and food supplies.
“We are seeking this partnership because we believe that the Ministry is in a strategic position to design and implement programs that will pull people with disabilities out of poverty,” he added. “By empowering them, we can reduce the impact of disability and ensure their meaningful inclusion in society.”
Building an Inclusive Government: A Call to Action
Mr. Anyaele emphasized that under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, there is an unprecedented opportunity to change the narrative for PWDs in Abia State. He praised the governor for taking significant steps toward inclusivity, such as appointing a Special Assistant on PWDs and establishing the Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons. The Commission’s board, which includes five members, is a first in the state’s history and represents a landmark commitment to the welfare of disabled individuals.
“Governor Otti has made it clear that his administration will not leave PWDs behind. For the first time, we have a government that is not only acknowledging our existence but is also actively working to include us in decision-making processes,” Anyaele stated. “But we must go further by ensuring that all government ministries, departments, and agencies consider PWDs in their policies, plans, and programs.”
He urged the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation to open its doors to collaboration with the Disability Commission, stressing that the only way to fully include PWDs in society is through concerted efforts from all arms of government. Anyaele also implored the ministry to allow the Disability Commission to participate in its program design processes to ensure that the unique needs of PWDs are factored into every initiative.
“The negative perception that governments do not care about PWDs must change,” he said. “For too long, past administrations have treated us as an afterthought, relegating us to the margins of society. This administration has promised to change that, and we are here to ensure that it delivers on its mandate.”
Ministry of Poverty Alleviation Responds with Open Arms
In response, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix expressed her appreciation for the proactive approach of the Disability Commission and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering inclusivity. She noted that plans were already in place to ensure that PWDs are incorporated into all of the Ministry’s programs, and that the visit from Anyaele was timely, coinciding with the ongoing budget preparation for 2025.
“We fully recognize the importance of including PWDs in all aspects of our programs. As a Ministry tasked with overseeing the welfare of vulnerable groups in Abia State, we know that PWDs play a critical role in the political and social fabric of our communities,” Felix stated. “Disability does not equate to inability. It simply means the ability to contribute in different and unique ways.”
Felix acknowledged that past administrations had overlooked the needs of PWDs, particularly in areas such as physical infrastructure, which remains largely inaccessible to individuals with disabilities. However, she assured that under the current administration, every effort is being made to reverse this trend and create an inclusive environment where PWDs can thrive.
“We are making deliberate efforts to ensure that PWDs are not excluded from any of our social protection and poverty alleviation programs,” she said. “For instance, one-third of the beneficiaries of the empowerment initiatives rolled out by the First Lady of Abia State have been PWDs. This is just the beginning, and we are committed to doing even more.”
PWDs at the Heart of Upcoming Social Protection Programs
As the Ministry continues its work to alleviate poverty across Abia State, Felix revealed that several new programs are in the pipeline, with PWDs playing a central role. One such initiative is the upcoming celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, which will take place next month. In preparation for this event, the Ministry is ensuring that one-third of the elderly individuals selected from each Local Government Area are people with disabilities.
“We know that elderly PWDs are among the most vulnerable members of our society, and we cannot afford to leave them behind,” Felix said. “In all of our programs, whether for widows, farmers, market women, or religious and traditional groups, we are making it a priority to include PWDs and provide them with the support they need.”
In line with the Ministry’s mandate, Felix emphasized that PWDs would continue to be prioritized in every social protection initiative rolled out by the state government. She also welcomed the Disability Commission’s input in the Ministry’s program design process, noting that collaboration between the two entities would ensure that the needs of PWDs are adequately addressed.
“We are in the process of budgeting and planning for the 2025 fiscal year, and we are eager to hear from the Disability Commission on how we can best serve PWDs,” Felix said. “Although the Commission has its own budget, we will make sure that their plans and programs are accommodated in the Ministry’s budget as well.”
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for PWDs in Abia State
As the partnership between the Disability Commission and the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation takes shape, both Anyaele and Felix are optimistic about the future of PWDs in Abia State. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to promote inclusion, eradicate poverty, and eliminate the barriers that have long prevented PWDs from participating fully in society.
“I have no doubt that together, we can create a future where PWDs are empowered, respected, and included in all aspects of life in Abia State,” Anyaele said. “We are ready to work with the Ministry to make this vision a reality.”
Felix echoed this sentiment, adding, “PWDs are an integral part of our society, and we are committed to ensuring that they are not left out of any of our plans. We are building a government that works for everyone, and that includes people with disabilities.”
With the Ministry’s commitment to inclusion and the Disability Commission’s determination to advocate for the rights of PWDs, there is hope that Abia State will soon become a model of disability inclusion and social protection for other states in Nigeria to follow.
