Abia State Government says it is committed to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in its policies and programs.
The state Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessings Felix who stated this at the celebration of Disability Day in the state, maintained that the present administration is disability friendly which it has demonstrated by setting a commission for the welfare of persons with disabilities, Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection and appointment and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the state.
The Commissioner made it clear that their ability in disability references to the contributions of persons with disabilities in the state and nation.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Mrs. Maureen Aghaukwa, noted that there is an ability in disability and lauded the state Government for prioritizing the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.
In his address, the chairman of Abia’s State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele, who described the day as significant, saluted Governor Dr Alex Otti for his administration’s kind gestures towards the disabilities.
Dr Anyaele disclosed that under the present administration, a lot of Abians have occupied strategic positions Nationally and internationally in disability matters.
He thanked the Governor for approving land for the building of the zonal office of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to be sited in the state.
In an interview, the sign language interpreter to the Governor, Mrs. Esther Joseph Ekechukwu appreciated the benevolent attitude of the Governor and his wife towards the persons with disabilities in the state which has given them a sense of belonging.
Correspondent reports that the event, which featured a road match to major streets of Umuahia, climaxed with panel discussions and had in attendance representatives of the Commissioner for Health among others.
