Abakaliki, September 2024 – Members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ebonyi State have expressed frustration over the delay in the disbursement of empowerment funds recently approved by the state government. Speaking at a press conference held in Abakaliki, the state capital, the association revealed that out of the 171 selected beneficiaries, only 39 have received the promised one million Naira, leaving the majority still waiting.
The empowerment scheme, which is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s initiative to support residents of the state, was designed to provide financial assistance to 1,300 Ebonyi citizens, including 171 persons with disabilities. However, despite the governor’s approval of the funds, the disbursement process has been slow, causing concern among members of JONAPWD.
Empowerment Promise Delayed
Mr. Franklin Chime, the Chairman of the Ebonyi State chapter of JONAPWD, expressed his gratitude for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the state’s empowerment programme but voiced disappointment over the delay in the fund distribution. According to him, the governor’s gesture was greatly appreciated, but the execution has been less than satisfactory.
“The state governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, approved the inclusion of 171 persons with disabilities in the state’s empowerment programme, alongside other residents,” Chime said. “Each of the beneficiaries was assured they would receive one million Naira to aid in their economic development. Sadly, while 39 of our members have been paid, the remaining 132 have yet to receive any alerts.”
The empowerment programme, Chime explained, was carefully designed to ensure that all political wards in the state are represented. “We ensured that each of our members from the 171 political wards across the 13 local government areas was included in this programme. But we are worried that many are still waiting for their funds, and we have not received any clear communication from the committee in charge.”
Disbursement Woes and Unanswered Questions
Chime went on to explain that the names of the selected beneficiaries had been submitted to the state’s empowerment committee well in advance, but the delay in disbursement is creating unease among members of the association.
“We have sent the list of the 132 members who have not received their alerts to the disbursement committee, but there has been no official response or explanation for the delay. Our members are becoming anxious because this financial aid is crucial for their livelihood and empowerment.”
The chairman reiterated the association’s appreciation for the governor’s efforts to include persons with disabilities in state initiatives but stressed the importance of swift and complete implementation. “We are sincerely grateful to Governor Nwifuru for his magnanimity and for ensuring that 171 slots were allocated to persons with disabilities. However, we respectfully urge him to intervene and direct the committee to expedite the disbursement of funds to the remaining 132 beneficiaries so that everyone can benefit equally.”
The Voices of Concern
Adding her voice to the discussion, the woman leader of the association, Mrs. Ugochinyere Okechukwu, echoed the concerns about the disbursement delays. She highlighted the challenges persons with disabilities face in accessing the empowerment funds, citing a complicated and cumbersome process that many members found difficult to navigate.
“For many of us, the process of accessing the funds has been tedious,” Okechukwu said. “It has been challenging for persons with disabilities, who already face significant barriers in daily life. However, we remain grateful to Governor Nwifuru for his inclusive leadership style and his commitment to supporting marginalized groups, including women and persons with disabilities.”
Okechukwu went on to call for the immediate release of the remaining funds and urged the state government to ensure that women with disabilities are better represented in future empowerment programmes. “We appeal to the governor to ensure the prompt payment of the 132 members still waiting for their alerts. Additionally, we call on the government to increase the inclusion of women with disabilities in future initiatives to ensure that we, too, can contribute meaningfully to the development of Ebonyi State.”
Empowerment and Inclusion: A Work in Progress
Governor Francis Nwifuru’s empowerment scheme, aimed at boosting the livelihoods of Ebonyi residents, has been widely praised for its inclusivity, especially the allocation of slots for persons with disabilities. This effort is seen as a step towards addressing the economic marginalization of PWDs in the state. However, the delayed disbursement of funds threatens to undermine the good intentions behind the programme.
For many beneficiaries, the one million Naira is not just financial support but a lifeline. It offers an opportunity to start or expand small businesses, support families, and invest in education and training. The delay has left many in limbo, with their plans on hold as they await the promised funds.
While the 39 beneficiaries who have received their payments are relieved and grateful, those still waiting are growing increasingly frustrated. The longer the delay, the greater the risk that the programme’s positive impact will be diminished.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The situation in Ebonyi underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the implementation of government programs, particularly those aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. Persons with disabilities already face significant challenges in accessing opportunities and resources, and delays in promised assistance only serve to exacerbate these difficulties.
The leadership of JONAPWD has called for more clarity from the disbursement committee and the state government. They have urged Governor Nwifuru to ensure that all beneficiaries receive their funds without further delay and to make the process more accessible and less cumbersome for PWDs in the future.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolds, persons with disabilities in Ebonyi State are hopeful that the state government will act quickly to resolve the issue and ensure that all selected beneficiaries receive their empowerment funds. The disbursement of these funds is seen as a critical step toward promoting the financial independence and empowerment of PWDs in the state.
Governor Nwifuru’s administration has been recognized for its efforts to promote inclusivity, and the PWD community remains optimistic that the delay will soon be addressed. In the meantime, the leadership of JONAPWD continues to advocate for its members and work towards ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and respected at all levels of governance.
As the press conference concluded, one message was clear: the empowerment of persons with disabilities is not just about financial aid; it is about dignity, inclusion, and ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to contribute to the development of their communities. The hope now is that this promise will be fulfilled for all 171 beneficiaries, leaving no one behind.
