Anambra Disability Rights Commission Marks One Year
List Achievements…..
Laments Govt’s Negligence…..
Moving Forward…..
The Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, ANSDRC has commemorated one year anniversary with a call on government to make the welfare of people living with disabilities a priority.
In his welcome address at a one-day event, tagged “The Journey So Far”, which held at prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center in Awka, the State Chairman of the Commission, Barr. Chuks Ezewuzie, listed some remarkable achievements made over the past one year, celebrated those that have made the Commission proud through their outstanding performances, while enumerating various measures mapped out in moving the Commission forward.
Barr. Ezewuzie who gave a general overview of ANSDRC and its journey so far since its inception on December 3, 2021, as was established by former Governor Willie Obiano. He added that the significant step solidified Anambra’s resolute commitment to upholding the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
On the Commission’s achievements, Barr. Ezewuzie spoke on Staff development and Capacity building, Inculcation of the spirit of Volunteerism in Ndi Anambra, Promotion of Special Sports, Eye and SkinCare for people living with Albinism, Mobility Training for the visually Impaired, The Dead Community Services and E-Government and World Meeting Platforms.
On the Way Forward, he disclosed that the Commission plans to enforce the accessibility requirements of the Disability Rights Law on public/private structural facilities, parking lots, building plans and permits.
According to Barr. Ezewuzie, “The Commission will vigorously pursue various processes to harness the revenue windows provided for in the Disability Rights Law to support government and persons with disabilities.
“The Commission will embark on fact finding tours to Special Schools and Rehabilitation Centers to ascertain the truth about the often reported Sorry State” of affairs in the centers”.
He also said, “Within two weeks, the Disability Rights Commission will inaugurate a meeting of Commission’s Disability Rights Advocate”.
Barr. Ezewuzie also revealed that the Commission will partner RoLAC , Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to address the psychological and social needs of members as well as address issues concerning Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, VAPP.
He intimated that the Commission will establish skill acquisition centers and Programs to equip them with requisite skills for economic independence and self-reliance, which, in turn, will benefit the Commission and society at large.
Speaking, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, assured of l government’s support to the Commission as well as individuals, adding that many of them have benefitted from Government’s Programs.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Mrs. Uche Ajuluchukwu, regretted that the present administration in the State has continued to neglect the Commission and the needs of it’s members, and called for a change of heart towards the plight of people living with disabilities.
The Principal Secretary to former Governor Obiano, Sir Willie Nwokoye, who encouraged the disability community to maximize their abilities and skills to become self sufficient and employers of labour.
The event also featured celebration and recognition of some staff of some volunteers and staff of the Commission, including Miss Vivian Ezeonwumelu who is currently in the US for her the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship award for Young African Leaders.
Certificates were also presented to the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Chidinma Ajemba, among other members of the disability community who were trained in Information and Communication Technologies. Five disability sports medalists who have made the state proud, were also given special recognition at the event.
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