ANAMBRA STATE GOVT TO RECONSTITUTE DISABILITY RIGHTS COMMISSION

REPORTER: OGEMDI OKONGWU

Anambra State Government says it plans to reconstitute and fund the State Disability Rights Commission, (ASDRC) to ensure its effectiveness and optimal performance.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Chuks Ezewuzie announced this during a one day programme tagged “the journey so far” held in Awka, the state capital.

Mr. Ezewuzie, who spoke virtually, said government’s decision to reposition the commission is indicative of its understanding of the fact that assisting the vulnerable is a yard- stick for measuring good governance in any society.

The Chairman, while recounting the events that led to the establishment of the commission in 2021, enumerated its achievements and successes so far.

They include staff development and capacity building, inculcating the spirit of volunteerism in people, special sports promotion, mobility training for the visually impaired, deaf community services and creation of e- government meeting platforms.

He noted that the commission had planned to enforce the accessibility requirements for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in public and private facilities, pursue revenue windows to assist their members, and partner Rolac in the establishment of a disability counseling centre to address the social needs of children with disabilities.

Others are to join forces with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to implement the provisions of the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, and embarking on fact finding tours to special schools to ascertain the truth about their often reported sorry state.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, reiterated the commitment of government to improving the wellbeing of the poor and vulnerable, promising that her ministry would continue to partner the State Disability Rights Commission to achieve its mandate and full potential.

For her part, Ambassador Uche Ajuluchukwu called for proper funding of the State Disability Rights Commission even as she appealed for the inclusion of persons with Disabilities in governance.

The event featured presentation of certificates to persons with disabilities who had undergone computer training and recognition of those who won laurels at different national and international sporting events.

Also guide canes were distributed to the visually impaired and sunscreen creams to those living with albinism.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU