The Abia State Disability Commission has called on political parties and candidates to adopt disability-inclusive campaign manifestos and ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully represented in political campaigns, governance and decision-making processes.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. David O. Anyaele, made the call when he received members of the Labour Party Abia State Working Committee on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Umuahia.
Anyaele urged political candidates to go beyond general promises by clearly stating in their manifestos how persons with disabilities would benefit from proposed programmes and legislation, stressing the need for measurable indicators to promote accountability.
He also advocated accessible campaign platforms, the provision of sign-language interpreters at political events and deliberate efforts to integrate disability rights into political party structures.
According to him, the Commission is ready to facilitate engagements between political candidates contesting for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly and disability coordinators at the state and local government levels.
Highlighting the Commission’s achievements since its establishment under the Abia State Disability Law 2022, Anyaele said the Commission had focused on removing barriers and creating greater opportunities for persons with disabilities across the state.
He listed some of the interventions to include the distribution of thousands of assistive devices and white canes to persons with different forms of disabilities, as well as training in assistive technology for blind persons.
He added that about 3,000 persons with hearing impairments had been enrolled in assistive-device programmes, while 250 entrepreneurs with disabilities had received economic empowerment support of ₦250,000 each, alongside solar panels.
The Chairman further disclosed that more than 830 teachers and health workers across the 17 local government areas of the state had been sensitised on issues concerning Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
He said the Commission had also embarked on capacity building for Local Government Area Mayors and Permanent Secretaries on disability issues, disability laws and disability-responsive budgeting.
Anyaele noted that the Commission was working with local governments to strengthen disability inclusion at the grassroots, citing Bende, Ohafia and Ikwuano as areas where accessibility audits and disability-focused appointments had been carried out.
Speaking on behalf of the Labour Party delegation, the State Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubike, represented by the Organising Secretary, Hon. Ben Oti, commended Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State Disability Commission for prioritising disability inclusion.
Oti said the visit was aimed at interacting with the Commission and gaining a better understanding of its activities, adding that the delegation was impressed by the achievements presented by the Chairman.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities remain visible and actively involved in political activities and governance across the state.
According to him, the Labour Party requires the support of people in government and must engage relevant agencies and parastatals supporting the Governor in implementing his vision for Abia State.
Other members of the visiting Labour Party State Working Committee included the Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Nkiruka Ukaonu; Legal Officer, Barr. Ndubisi Nwosu; TUC representative, Comrade Okoye Iloabuchi; NLC representative, Comrade Emma Alozie; Zonal Youth Leader, Mr. Agaero Best Uche; and Zonal Women Leader, Hon. Akachi Jacob.
