Abuja, July 14, 2024 – In a momentous development for the disability community in Nigeria, David Anyaele, the Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), has been appointed as the pioneer head of the newly established Disability Commission in Abia State by Governor Alex Otti. This landmark appointment has garnered widespread acclaim, with Dr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), extending his heartfelt congratulations and support.
During a top management meeting held at the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Lalu expressed his elation over the creation of the Disability Commission in Abia State. “I must congratulate His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, for aligning with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda by prioritizing the welfare of persons with disabilities through the establishment of this commission,” he stated. Dr. Lalu emphasized that the formation of such a body is a significant step towards ensuring that the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are adequately addressed at the state level.
Dr. Lalu’s admiration for David Anyaele’s appointment was palpable. “David Anyaele is a seasoned administrator, a true round peg in a round hole. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to disability rights make him the ideal candidate to lead this new commission,” he remarked. Anyaele’s appointment is seen as a testament to his years of dedicated service and advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities, which have earned him respect and recognition both nationally and internationally.
Anyaele’s journey as an advocate has been marked by resilience and determination. As the Executive Director of CCD, he has been at the forefront of numerous initiatives aimed at promoting disability rights and inclusion. His leadership has been instrumental in driving policy changes and fostering collaborations with various stakeholders to create a more inclusive society. Anyaele’s appointment as the head of the Abia State Disability Commission is a recognition of his outstanding contributions and a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
The creation of the Abia State Disability Commission is a progressive move that aligns with the broader goals of the NCPWD. Dr. Lalu expressed his gratitude to Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and commitment to disability inclusion. “The establishment of this commission is a clear indication of Governor Otti’s dedication to improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Abia State. It is a commendable step that will pave the way for more inclusive policies and practices,” Dr. Lalu noted.
In his remarks, Dr. Lalu pledged the full support of the NCPWD to the new commission. “We are committed to assisting in nurturing this new commission and ensuring its success. David Anyaele has the experience and expertise to handle the challenges ahead, and we will work closely with him to achieve our shared goals,” he assured. Dr. Lalu’s commitment to supporting Anyaele underscores the collaborative spirit within the disability rights community, aiming to create a unified front in advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The news of Anyaele’s appointment has been met with widespread jubilation within the disability rights community. Stakeholders, advocates, and organizations have lauded Governor Otti for his foresight and commitment to disability inclusion. The appointment is seen as a beacon of hope, signaling a new era of enhanced advocacy and inclusive governance in Abia State.
Mbanefo JohnMichaels, the Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit at NCPWD, highlighted the significance of this development in a press release. “This appointment is a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote disability rights and inclusion. It is a recognition of the tireless work and dedication of advocates like David Anyaele, who have been at the forefront of this movement,” he stated. The press release further emphasized the NCPWD’s commitment to supporting state-level initiatives that align with its mission of promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
As the new head of the Abia State Disability Commission, David Anyaele is poised to lead with vision and determination. His appointment is a call to action for all stakeholders to rally behind the cause of disability inclusion and work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The support from the NCPWD and the broader disability rights community will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the success of this new commission, paving the way for a brighter future for persons with disabilities in Abia State and beyond.
