The Abia State Government has issued a directive mandating the installation of lifts and other accessibility features in all public buildings to accommodate disability persons.
Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission (ASDC), Mr. David Anyaele, made this known during a capacity-building workshop held in Umuahia for permanent secretaries on the implementation of the Abia State Disability Law and the promotion of disability inclusion.
Anyaele announced that the State Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije, has already commenced work on making the State Secretariat and other public buildings accessible in line with the governor’s directive. He called on permanent secretaries to include disability issues in their ministry budgets and actively champion disability inclusion across their sectors.
Highlighting the critical role permanent secretaries play in ensuring policy continuity, Anyaele said:
Commissioners, governors, and political appointees may come and go, but permanent secretaries remain the engine room of government. They must drive inclusive policies that ensure disability persons are not left behind.”
He explained that the barriers faced by disability persons range from environmental and institutional to attitudinal and communicational. He emphasized the need for sign language interpreters for the deaf and braille materials for the blind.
The ASDC Chairman also urged MDAs to employ disability focal persons and ensure that all facilities, including lifts, are equipped with braille and audio features. He added that the Commission would designate special parking spaces for persons with disabilities and penalize violators.
> “Information and communication are key. When people with disabilities face barriers, they’re cut off from participation. Environmental design must be inclusive—ramps should have handrails, lifts must be installed in multi-storey buildings, and accessible toilets must be provided,” he said.
Anyaele also thanked Governor Alex Otti for approving the training for stakeholders, which he identified shows his level of passion for the commission to succeed.
Contributing, the State Coordinator of Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, ROLAC Mr. Peter who was represented by Onyedikachi Odi said Abia State Disability Law and disability-inclusive budgeting initiative implemented by the Abia State Disability Commission, marks a significant step towards promoting inclusive governance and safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities in Abia state.
Mr Peter reminded the permanent secretaries that as leaders, they have a critical role in shaping the future of ministries, departments, and agencies in Abia State and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has access to opportunities and services.
According to him, the Abia State Disability Law provides a framework for everyone to work towards a more inclusive society, and it is everyone’s collective responsibility to implement its provisions effectively.
He maintained that through this training, the Disability Commission aims to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to mainstream disability issues in their programs and budgets.
In her remarks, Lady Oge Maduka, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, expressed appreciation for the insights provided during the workshop and pledged to implement lessons learned.
Barrister Chibuzo Ehiemere, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, described the workshop as enlightening, stating that:
> “We leave here enriched. The Commission has shown us our roles in fostering inclusiveness. It’s important that our budgeting now reflects the needs of people with disabilities.”
She also commended Governor Alex Otti for supporting the Commission’s efforts and ensuring that disability issues receive the attention they deserve.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment by government officials to fully integrate disability inclusion into public service delivery in Abia State.
