By Chris Agbo,
OWERRI – There was thunderous applause and uncontrollable jubilation at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri, as history was made in Imo State on Monday. The moment that stole the spotlight at the 3-day Workshop on Rights-Based Approaches to Disability-Inclusive Development, Governance, and Public Policy was when the representative of the Imo State First Lady, Her Excellency Barr. (Dr) Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, displayed the assented copy of the Imo State Disability Law — a landmark achievement that drew tears of joy and roaring excitement from the disability community present.
The workshop, jointly organized by the World Bank, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, and the Government of Imo State, brought together a wide array of participants including top civil servants, policymakers, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, development experts, and disability rights advocates. It was aimed at equipping Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the knowledge and tools to implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018 through a rights-based and inclusive approach.
A Symbolic Moment of Inclusion
Speaking on behalf of the First Lady, her representative noted that the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, fondly called the “Talk and Do Governor”, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to inclusion by assenting to the Disability Prohibition Law in Imo State.
“The hall erupted in joy when I held up the signed copy of the law — a physical testament to His Excellency’s passion for creating an inclusive Imo where no one is left behind. It was a moment of validation for persons with disabilities who, for years, had hoped for this day,” she said.
She stressed that Her Excellency, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, remains deeply committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities are treated not as charity cases but as equal citizens deserving of respect, dignity, and opportunity.
“Her Excellency believes strongly in a rights-based approach — one that first sees the person before the disability. This means recognizing PWDs as rights holders, not as beneficiaries of pity or handouts,” she added.
A Salute to the Lawmakers
The First Lady’s representative also commended the Imo State House of Assembly for playing a critical role in passing both the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Disability Prohibition Act.
“Their unwavering support has shown that the legislature stands with the vulnerable. These landmark laws will serve as tools to combat discrimination, violence, and systemic exclusion,” she said, while officially declaring the workshop open.
Hon. Ikpamezie: “This Law is a Lifeline”
Also speaking at the workshop was Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie, the sponsor of the bill at the Imo State House of Assembly. He described the law as a lifeline for thousands of Imo residents living with disabilities.
“This is more than legislation; it is liberation. This law ensures that disability issues are not sidelined but incorporated into every sector — education, employment, healthcare, transportation, and governance,” Hon. Ikpamezie remarked.
He applauded Governor Uzodimma for demonstrating political will by signing the bill, stressing that leadership must continue to work with stakeholders to ensure full implementation.
World Bank Sets the Tone for Inclusion
The World Bank team, led by Dr. Adebukola Adebayo Shehu and Consultant Uzoamaka Ashiegbu, laid the intellectual foundation for the workshop, encouraging participants to shift their mindset from charity to rights when discussing disability issues.
“This workshop is not just about awareness. It’s about shifting perceptions — helping people understand the social model of disability, the principles of accessibility, and the power of inclusive policy-making,” said Dr. Adebayo Shehu.
Ms. Ashiegbu emphasized that policy development must be participatory and inclusive, with persons with disabilities not just at the table, but actively shaping decisions.
“They are citizens. They are contributors to national development. They must no longer be seen as a burden,” she said.
A Cross-Section of Society Shows Support
The high-level workshop drew participation from various quarters, including:
- Traditional rulers who pledged to promote inclusion in their communities.
- Directors and Permanent Secretaries of MDAs.
- Media professionals committed to disability-sensitive reporting.
- Legal practitioners championing disability justice.
- Politicians and rights activists working toward systemic change.
Commissioner “Mama Palliative” Speaks
In her closing remarks, HH Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, affectionately known as “Mama Palliative”, commended the synergy between the state, federal, and international development partners.
“This is a new dawn for disability inclusion in Imo. We are not just talking about rights; we are activating them,” she said.
She reassured the disability community that the Ministry, under her leadership, is fully committed to driving the implementation of the new law, deepening public education, and ensuring monitoring and accountability.
The Road Ahead
The success of this workshop signals a critical turning point in the journey toward disability inclusion in Imo State. The display of the assented Disability Law is not the end — it is the beginning of a new chapter, where every policy, every structure, and every program must reflect the principles of equality, accessibility, and participation.
Imo State has now joined the growing list of Nigerian states that are walking the talk on disability rights. The message is clear: a society is only truly inclusive when its most marginalized citizens are fully included.
