The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has congratulated the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, on the third anniversary of the passage of the Abia State Disability Act, describing the law as a landmark achievement that has significantly advanced the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
In a statement signed by its Acting Director, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, and issued in Umuahia on Sunday, the organisation commended Governor Otti for his administration’s “significant, deliberate, and inclusive actions” which, it said, have accelerated the implementation of the law and improved the lives of PWDs across the state.
CCD highlighted several milestones achieved under the current administration, including the empowerment and appointment of PWDs into key government positions.
The group particularly lauded the appointment of veteran disability rights advocate, Mr. David O. Anyaele, as Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities.
The organization also hailed the establishment of the Abia State Disability Commission and the appointment of Honourable David Obinna Anyaele as its pioneer Chairman, alongside other PWDs such as Mr. Stanley Onyebuchi, National President of the Nigeria Association of the Blind; Ms. Ijeoma Okoronkwo, a leader of persons with albinism in Abia; Mr. Emenike Amakwe; and the late Mrs. Chinenye Ogboso.
“These appointments and institutional developments reflect the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’ and demonstrate the Governor’s commitment to inclusive governance,” CCD stated.
The group further applauded Governor Otti for approving the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) South East Zonal Office in Umuahia, describing the move as a major step in consolidating Abia’s position as a regional leader in disability inclusion.
While urging the state government to sustain its efforts, CCD called for continued budgetary support for the Disability Commission and the integration of accessibility standards across all government sectors.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Abia State Government to build “an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable state where every citizen, including PWDs, can thrive.”
CCD also appealed to other state governors to emulate Governor Otti’s example by establishing and adequately funding state disability commissions, promoting para-sports, and implementing inclusive initiatives that empower PWDs nationwide.
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities is a foremost non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. It has been instrumental in driving the passage of key disability laws, including the Lagos State Special People’s Law (2010), the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (2018), and the Abia State Commission for Disabled Persons Law (2022).
The organization’s ongoing projects in Abia State include initiatives on disability-inclusive climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as advocacy for the inclusion of PWD perspectives in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act and environmental benefit-sharing processes in the Niger Delta.
