By: Ifeanyi Okonkwo
Anambra State chairman Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities JNAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke has called on Nigerians to treat persons with disabilities with care emphasizing that the society needs to do more for these persons
Okeke made these appeal while speaking in a media chat organized by JNAPWD Anambra Chapter in collaboration with the office of the Governor on disability matters and the ministry of woman affairs Anambra state in commeration of the 2021 international day for persons living with disability.
while speaking on the significance of international day for persons with disabilities, Okeke said since 1992, the United Nations set aside a special day to observe with the understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well being of persons living with disability. It also seek to increase the awarness of gains to be derived from inclusion for persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Okeke stated that the significance of these years theme which is 'Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable Covid-19 work' revealed that it was tactically selected in order to expose the opportunities that will lead for inclusive future for persons with disabilities, the need to create enabling environment for the involvement of persons with disabilities in the leadership aspirations and also highlight the challenges that prevent persons with disabilities from participating actively in the society.
"The theme was selected in order to provoke thought around what could be done to ensure that every barriers that prevents persons with disabilities to participate actively in the society in the areas of occupying leadership positions are consciously removed. Okeke added.
"In other to encourage all inclusive participation, there must be universal access to public infrastructures and facilities, quality education and effective leadership. To my fellow persons living with disabilities, I want to congratulate us on what we have achieved through our structured advocacies. I want to encourage you all to take control of your destiny. believe in yourself and ignore those who try to discourage you. avoid negative source, place, persons, places, things and habit. don't give up and don't give in. Okeke advised.
While answering questions from newsmen, Okeke disclosed that according to 2006 census, persons with disabilities is four hundred thousand thousand (400,000). while registered JNAPWD members in Anambra is two thousand five hundred (2500) as at 2019. Two hundred and fifteen (215) persons have as been employed under the administration of Governor Willie Obiano excluding those who were recently employed
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