PWDs DEMAND MORE INCLUSIVITY IN ANAMBRA AFFAIRS

REPORTER: OGEMDI OKONGWU

Persons with Disabilities, (PWDs) in Anambra State have called for their inclusion and participation in decision making processes, especially as it affects their welfare and livelihood.

Chairman of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Dr. Chuks Ezewuzie, who made the call during an event to mark the 2023 International Day Of Persons With Disabilities in Awka, the State Capital, said it was crucial to give them a sense of belonging.

Dr. Ezewuzie, while stating that they were tired of people interfering with their rights and responsibilities, however, urged the disability community to support the ongoing effort by the Professor Chukwuma Soludo led administration to transform the state.

For his part, the State Chairman, Joint National Association Of Persons With Disabilities, (JONAPWD), Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, observed that the theme of the event “Breaking Barriers: Accessible Technology and Digital Inclusion,” was timely and intended to draw attention to the new barriers caused by technology and means to bridge the gap with digital inclusive technology that is accessible to all.

Comrade Okeke commended the Anambra State Information Communication Technology Agency, for coming up with an inclusive ICT policy that would help PWDs fit into the vision of the present administration for the state.

He demanded that their members, who are qualified, be given the opportunity to participate in the ongoing CBT exams for the recruitment of teachers.

He equally drew the attention of government to the challenges facing students of Basden Special School Isiulo and advocated the need to involve PWDs in data collection processes.

The Head, Anambra State Information Communication Technology Agency, Mr. Fred Agbata, who was represented by Mr. Tochukwu Ebeku, said in driving the vision of the governor on everything technology, the agency had taken a step forward in recognizing the importance of inclusivity by incorporating it in the ICT policy of the state.

Mr. Agbata urged businesses to embrace diversity and inclusion as core values as well as ensure that their products and services are accessible to all categories of going.

The event, organized by JONAPWD in collaboration with the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, attracted persons with disabilities from the 21 local government areas of the state.

Drama sessions, dances, and conferment of awards to deserving persons, who in one way or another contributed to the establishment of the Disability Rights Commission in the state, formed highpoints of the event.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU