TQM report,
In a Town Hall meeting organised by the National Commission for Persons with disabilities in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti Corruption (ROLAC) today 29th September, 2021 in Awka Anambra State for States and Federal establishments in the South East geopolitical Zones and National Technical working group to ensure the implementations of sections 28 and 29 of the law which provides 5% access to employment of Persons with DIsabilities, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Mr James David Lalu has said that Disability is not an immunity to failure.
In a press release signed by JohnMicheal Mbanefo, the head of Media and Publicity, NCPWD, the ES further stated that the present time in history belongs to the PWDs and they should buckle up and take it. “It’s time to take over, it is not enough to be qualified, opportunity to work is more important. Be ambitious, as disability can never be an immunity to failure” he charged.
While declaring the event open, the ES stated that the Commission is embarking on vigorous awareness campaign to ensure that 5% access to employment as provided by the law is respected.
He further disclosed that the Commission would hold Town Hall meetings in all the 6 geopolitical Zones of the country and will monitor the outcome
Mr Lalu who commended Governor Willie Obiano and his wife Mrs Eblechukwu for doing wonderfully well in giving continuous support to capacity building for persons with disabilities, and their efforts towards improving the living standards of PWDs. He acknowledged that it is a public note that Anambra is the only state that has passed the Disabilities Rights Law and is implementing it. He called on other states in the region to key in.
Speaking, the Anambra state Head of Service Barrister Harry Uduh maintained, that Anambra is leading in matters of inclusiveness for PWDs, as he said that three PWD Permanent Secretaries are currently under the employ of Anambra state government, and many more are being employed because it is a direct policy of the Governor. He thanked the ES for his influence in the State which he described as very positive.
Addressing the gathering, the Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Disability Matters Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie represented by Mr Collins Joseph, said that amongst the States of the federation, Anambra has been taking the lead in making life easier for PWDs by not just accenting and passing the Disability Rights law but also implementing it through inauguration of a committee that has yielded so many results.
The state chairman Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities JONAPWD, Anambra state chapter, Mr Ugochuwkwu Okeke said that over two hundred and fifty of their members have been gainfully employed into the state civil service, he called on those present at the event to appreciate the Governor and the ES for all their good work.
Earlier, the ROLAC programme Officer Anambra state Mrs Josephine Onah commended the ES for his hard work in trying to see that Person’s with Disabilities are well catered for and better placed in the society. She further highlighted various steps taken by ROLAC to ensure better life for PWDs in Anambra state including establishment of Directory for sign language interpreters, sexual assault Effect Center and remodeling of various offices and establishments to suit persons with disabilities.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the lcopies of the book of commentaries on the achievements of Governor Willie Obiano on his seven years in office by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters Barrister Ezewuzie, to the Executive Secretary National Commission For Persons With Disabilities, Mr James David Lalu.
