JONAPWD Calls for Stronger Enforcement of Disability Rights Law in Anambra

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State chapter, has called for more decisive action to ensure the full enforcement of the state’s Disability Rights Law. The group is also advocating the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in policy-making bodies to strengthen their participation in governance and development initiatives.

Speaking in Awka, the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, said persons with disabilities make meaningful contributions to education, business, sports, culture, innovation, and governance. Despite this, many still face significant barriers that limit their participation in society.

Okeke highlighted several ongoing challenges in Anambra, including inaccessible public buildings and transportation, limited job opportunities, weak enforcement of disability legislation, discrimination, inadequate assistive devices, poor structures for inclusive education, and insufficient representation in leadership and decision-making roles.

He urged the state government to reinforce the implementation of the Disability Rights Law, improve accessibility across public facilities, empower the Disability Commission, and scale up employment and livelihood support programmes. He also encouraged religious bodies to adopt more inclusive practices and help reduce stigma within their communities.

Okeke spoke during an event held to mark both the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) and the annual Praise Day, themed “Let’s Praise God.” He noted that IDPD is a global platform for raising awareness on disability issues, promoting dignity, and advocating for policies that build an inclusive society.

Referencing the global 2025 IDPD theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress,” he emphasised that sustainable development is impossible when any group—especially persons with disabilities—is excluded from education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, governance, or community life.

Okeke described the celebration as an opportunity to honour the resilience of persons with disabilities while reflecting on the issues affecting their rights and welfare.

He congratulated Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his re-election, commending both the governor and the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for their continued empowerment programmes and welfare initiatives targeted at the disability community.

JONAPWD also appreciated the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for providing economic support to 250 persons with disabilities in Anambra. Okeke urged beneficiaries to use the funds wisely and assured others that more people would be included in subsequent programmes.

The event featured healthcare enlightenment sessions led by Dr. Onubogu and the Nigerian Women Medical Association, worship sessions for men, a training session by the Nigerian Red Cross, and a financial literacy lecture by Access Bank on savings and investment.