The Enugu chapter of the National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Women Support Women (WSW) have urged Governor Peter Mbah to inaugurate the Enugu State Disability Commission.

They also urged the governor to fulfil his promise of inaugurating the commission by the first quarter of 2025 to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in governance.

They made the call during the JONAPWD meeting held on Saturday in Enugu.

Onyebuchi Mba, the state chairman of JONAPWD, recalled that the governor had, in December 2024, pledged to establish the commission within the first quarter of 2025.

The chairman also called on Mr Mbah to intervene in revitalising the Braille Resource Centre for the Blind under the Smart School Green project to promote inclusive education and accessibility for all.

While appreciating Mr Mbah’s developmental strides within two years in office, the JONAPWD chairman drew his attention to the glaring omission of PWDs from key appointments and decision-making processes in Enugu.

“Nearly two years of this administration, like over the years, PWDs have been excluded from governance and leadership positions, denying them a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives.

“We solicit the 17 local government council chairpersons to accommodate PWDs in grassroots governance, fostering diversity and representation.

“As an association, we are requesting heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to show empathy on issues affecting PWDs and create synergy amongst government offices on disability matters to address their needs,” Mr Mba said.

He regretted that land allocated for the establishment of a Braille Resource Centre for the Blind in 1980 by Jim Nwobodo, the then governor of old Anambra State and facilitated by the Rotary Club of Nigeria, had been encroached by private individuals.

“The land, located at Plot 7, Ugwuoba Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, was handed to Anambra State Ministry of Education, but successive governments failed to develop the site beyond the initial structures.

“They left it vulnerable to encroachment and claims of ownership by private individuals,” he said.

He added that by establishing the centre, opportunities for blind individuals can be unlocked, promoting social inclusion and generating income for the state.

“We call for synergy and action to create a beacon of hope and empowerment for the blind child,” he stressed.

He, however, encouraged PWDs to remain resolute and maintain the spirit of resilience, holding onto hope for a brighter future as the governor could address their needs.

Speaking, the coordinator of WSW, Onyinye Mamah, stressed that the inauguration of the commission was long overdue, appealing to the Enugu State government to do the needful to ensure inclusion.

“This meeting is to remind and appeal to Governor Peter Mbah to fulfil the promise he made to PWDs during the last town hall meeting held last year to inaugurate this commission,” Ms Mamah said.

(NAN)