By Chidimma Ajemba
Awka, 23 Dec 2022(Anambra Jonapwd) The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Anambra State Chapter has held a one-day press briefing in commemoration of the 4th anniversary of Anambra State Disabilities Rights Law 2022 and called the attention of the general public and relevant stakeholders on the importance of speedy implementation of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018.
Addressing gentlemen of the press at the Jonapwd State secretariate at Prof. Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka during the week, the chairman of JONAPWD Anambra, Comrade Ugochukwu Ernest Okeke after thanking the national body of the Organisation through its President- Comrade Alieu Abdullahi Mohamed for sponsoring the program which is the first of its kind in the history of JONAPWD Nigeria took time to walk down memory lane on the situation of things before the ASDRL 2018 came into existence.
“Years back in Anambra the attitude of the public towards persons with disabilities was negative.
” Many of us then were not given access or necessary support in terms of education and training, health services, agricultural involvement and employment opportunities.
” It took JONAPWD Anambra 6 years of relentless efforts to advocate for legislation that protects the rights of persons with disabilities in the state.
He listed, training in advocacy strategies and engagement processes for their leaders at the state and local government, the building of capacity of their leaders on power mapping and analysis as tools that helped to identify prominent people and organisations that supported them to achieve their target, collaboration and partnership with other CSOs, FBOs and media organisations in Anambra State, transparency and prudence management of resources from various development partners, and mass awareness and enlightenment programs through live radio/tv programs helped to facilitate the passage of Disability Rights Law in 2018 as some of the strategies that lead to their huge success stories.
” The Disability Right bill was represented and sponsored by a member representing Nnewi South 1 Constituency Hon. Kingsley Aruba and 21 others of the 6th Assembly.
” The bill was able to scale through the first and second readings in 2015 but was unable to scale through the third reading.
Comrade Okeke noted that the intensified advocacy and strategies led by JONAPWD Anambra and the emergence of British Council, European Union RoLAC funded projects like advocacy activities in support of the assent of Disability Rights Bill in Anambra state, advocacy for the implementation of the Disability Rights Law 2018 and inclusive state and local government budgeting by justice service providers/relevant MDAs helped to fasten the disability rights law passage and its assent.
“The Anambra State House of Assembly on the 13th September 2018 passed Disability Rights bill into law while former Governor Willie .M. Obiano, the most disability friendly governor on 18th December 2018 signed it into law making Anambra State the first and only state in the South East to have a legislation that protects the rights of persons with disabilities.
” On 1st February 2022, the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission and 9 commissioners were inaugurated by Former Governor Willie M. Obiano.
Comrade Okeke also notified that over 18 success stories of Jonapwd Anambra have been recorded ranging from accessibility of public buildings, employment, provision of desk officers at various parastatals, increase in several persons with disabilities getting married etc.
He went further to list some of their long and short-term expectations from the government and other stakeholders as follows:effectiveness/efficiency of Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, continuous employment of persons with disabilities. allotment of political offices to qualified persons with disabilities, an extension of the year of service for persons with disabilities( from 60 to 65 years or 40 years of service), social protection program, scholarship and healthcare provisions and the construction of an Independence living centre.
He also listed their short-term expectations/quick wins as follows: construction of ramps at the utility hall of Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka and the podium of Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, monthly aid allowance to civil servants with disabilities, granting a waiver for recruitment of more qualified persons with disabilities with different qualifications into the state civil service, social intervention to the aged and unemployed persons with disabilities and creation of special skills acquisition/program for persons with disabilities
Responding to some of the questions asked, Comrade Okeke stated that some valid plans have been made by the Disability Rights Commission to secure an appointment to see Mr Governor where most of these challenges will be tabled.
On the recent recruitment of teachers, Mr Okeke noted that JONAPWD Anambra has expressed their concern officially through a letter sent to ASDRC explaining the ordeal its members went through during the recruitment exercise.
” The exercise was not inclusive due to lack of access to the exam centres.
He noted that no provision indicates what type of disability one has. He also said that there are plans to involve the state legislature to intervene in the concluded recruitment exercise.
The press briefing also served as a medium to celebrate 2022 International Disability Day which was fully sponsored by JONAPWD National Body.
He finally appreciated all the partners of JONAPWD Anambra- State CSOs, media organisations, development partners, JONAPWD National and especially RoLAC Team lead in Anambra state, Mrs Josephine Onah for being instrumental to most of the success stories that are celebrated today and called on them never to withdraw their support until the law is fully implemented in the state.
Present at the event were the disability desk officer for Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp, Officer Amaka Anadumaka, heads of various disabilities clusters, Comrade Amobi Nwagwu, Comrade Ncheta Nwanokwara, Comrade Vivian Ezeonwumelu, Comrade Vincent Onwubugha, different media organisations and selected JONAPWD members from few LGAs.
