JONAPWD Demands Stronger Enforcement of Disability Rights Law 

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, has renewed its call for stronger enforcement of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, citing persistent barriers that continue to hinder the inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities across the state.

The association noted that despite existing legislation, challenges such as inaccessible public buildings, transport systems, schools, and health facilities, as well as limited employment opportunities, remain widespread and deeply concerning.

The call was made during the association’s 2025 End-of-Year Meeting and Praise Day held in Awka, an event that also formed part of activities commemorating the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

The programme, themed “Let’s Praise God”, brought together hundreds of members from the 21 local government areas of the state to celebrate resilience, reflect on progress, and highlight pressing issues affecting their welfare, rights, and inclusion.

In his address, State Chairman Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke said the global IDPD theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress,” reinforces the urgency for governments and institutions to ensure that no group is excluded from education, employment, healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and community life.

He stressed that meaningful development is impossible without the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, who continue to make significant contributions to education, sports, entrepreneurship, governance, culture, and innovation.

Okeke described the continued lack of accessible infrastructure, inadequate assistive devices, weak enforcement of disability laws, discrimination, poor inclusive education structures, and low representation in decision-making spaces as key obstacles preventing progress in Anambra.

He urged the state government to intensify enforcement of the Disability Rights Law, empower the Disability Commission, improve accessibility in public institutions, and expand livelihood and employment programmes for persons with disabilities.

He also appealed to religious institutions to create inclusive worship spaces and help challenge stigma, and encouraged schools and healthcare facilities to adopt inclusive systems that guarantee early intervention, rehabilitation services, and equal access. Okeke further urged members of the disability community to remain united, build their skills, and make use of available opportunities.

The association commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his re-election, describing it as an affirmation of public trust in his leadership. Okeke also praised the governor’s wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, for her sustained advocacy as the State Disability Rights Ambassador and her empowerment and welfare initiatives for persons with disabilities.

JONAPWD also expressed gratitude to the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for extending economic empowerment support to 250 persons with disabilities in Anambra State. The chairman urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and assured that more members would benefit in future editions.

The association acknowledged the support of Naira Rice Limited, EmeNet International Ltd., the Ministry of Health, private donors, and members of the disability community who contributed to the success of the event.

Several members also shared concerns and recommendations. Mr Patrick Ezeobinwa called for more local government-level meetings and increased participation in sports to strengthen unity and promote well-being. Mr Chika Okafor expressed dissatisfaction over the exclusion of some members from programmes intended for the wider community and called for fairness and reform.

In his closing remarks, Comrade Okeke assured members that their concerns had been noted and would be addressed, urging continued unity and cooperation for the growth of the association.

The event featured worship sessions, a health talk, an interactive session with the Nigerian Red Cross, and a financial literacy lecture by Access Bank on savings and investment.