The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, has called on newly elected local government chairpersons and councillors to prioritize inclusivity and representation for all community members, particularly those with disabilities.
In a statement signed by State Chairman Comr. Ugochukwu Ernest Okeke, JONAPWD urged council leaders to appoint persons with disabilities as Special Assistants on disability matters. Okeke emphasized that the unique experiences and insights of these individuals would substantially enrich the policymaking process, ensuring that the needs of people with disabilities are fully acknowledged and addressed within local governance.
The statement reads in part, “The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, representing all six disability clusters in the state—extends heartfelt congratulations on your recent elections as leaders of your respective local government areas and wards.
“Your success in securing these esteemed positions demonstrates your dedication to public service and the trust placed in you by the citizens.
“As you embark on this crucial journey, we urge you to prioritize inclusivity and representation for every member of our society. In particular, we respectfully request that you appoint persons with disabilities as Special Assistants on disability matters.
“Their unique experiences and insights will greatly enrich the policymaking process, ensuring that the needs of individuals with disabilities are fully incorporated into local governance.
“By involving persons with disabilities in your decision-making processes, you will not only uphold principles of equity and justice but also empower a vital segment of our population. Their perspectives can significantly impact governance.
“This initiative will also serve as a critical step in fulfilling Section 52, Subsection 1 of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law of 2018, which mandates the encouragement of persons with disabilities to fully participate in politics and public life without discrimination.
“We are confident that, under your leadership, we can build truly inclusive and accessible communities across our local government areas. We wish you success in your new roles and look forward to the positive changes you will implement.”
Comments are closed.