PWDs, Group Urge Gov. Mbah To Inaugurate Enugu State Disability Commission

The National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Enugu State Chapter and Women Support Women (WSW) have urged Gov. Peter Mbah to inaugurate the Enugu State Disability Commission.

They also urged the governor to fulfill his promise of inaugurating the commission by the first quarter of 2025 to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in governance.

They made the call during the JONAPWD meeting held on Saturday in Enugu.

Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, the State Chairman, JONAPWD, recalled that the governor had in December, 2024, pledged to establish the commission within the first quarter of 2025, appealing to him to fulfil it.

The chairman also called on Mbah to intervene in revitalising the Braille Resource Center for the blind under the Smart School Green project as a way of promoting inclusive education and accessibility for all.

While appreciating Mbah’s developmental strides within two years in office, the JONAPWD Chairman drew his attention to the glaring omission of PWDs from key appointments and decision-making processes in Enugu.

“Nearly two-years of this administration like over the years, PWDs have been excluded from governance and leadership positions, denying them a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives.

“We solicit the 17 local government council chairpersons to accommodate PWDs in grassroots governance, fostering diversity and representation.

“As an association, we are requesting heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to show empathy on issues affecting PWDs and create synergy amongst government offices on disability matters to address its their needs,” Mba said.

He regretted that land allocated for the establishment of a Braille Resource Center for the Blind in 1980 by Dr Jim Nwobodo, the then Governor of old Anambra State and facilitated by the Rotary Club of Nigeria had been encroached by private individuals.

“The land which located at Plot 7, Ugwuoba Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, was handed to Anambra State Ministry of Education but successive governments failed to develop the site beyond the initial structures.

“They left it vulnerable to encroachment and claims of ownership by private individuals,” he said.

He added that by establishing the centre, opportunities for blind individuals can be unlocked, promoting social inclusion and generating income for the state.

“We call for synergy and action to create a beacon of hope and empowerment for the blind child,” he stressed.

He, however, encouraged PWDs to remain resolute and maintain the spirit of resilience, holding onto hope for a brighter future as the governor was capable of addressing their needs.

Speaking, the Coordinator of WSW, Mrs Onyinye Mamah, stressed that the inauguration of the commission was long overdue, appealing to Enugu State Government to do the needful to ensure inclusion.

“I am appealing to Enugu State Government to pay attention to the needs of PWDs.

“This meeting is to remind and appeal to Gov. Peter Mbah to fulfil the promise he made to PWDs during the last town hall meeting held last year to inaugurate this commission,” Mamah said.