PLWDs appeal to Ugwuanyi to sign disability bill into law

The joint national association of persons with disabilities (JONAPwD) Enugu state chapter has pleaded with Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the governor, to sign the bill on “inclusive society” (disability bill) into law. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Onyebuchi Mba, the state chairman of the association, said what remains after the passage of the bill was the governor’s assent.

Mba said the legislation seeks full inclusion of PLWDs into society and establishes the Enugu state persons with disabilities agency.

He said the bill also has provisions for “their education, health, social, economic and civil rights, and other related purposes”.

“This is the much-anticipated gift by governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi-led administration with a paradigm shift from charity to a rights-based approach on disability matters,” Mba said.

“It is mind-blowing and serves as a morale booster to thousands of persons with disabilities across the 17 local government areas of the state.

He further said the bill if assented by the governor would make Enugu a disability-friendly state, and facilitate its implementation.

“You have done pretty well for this special community,” the PLWDs chairperson said.

He thanked Edward Uchenna Ubosi, speaker of the state house of assembly, Ikechukwu Ezugwu, house leader, Onyinye Ugwu, deputy leader, and others for their commitment which aided the passage of the bill.