JONAPWD AWKA SOUTH CHAPTER VISITS ASATU, SEEKS COLLABORATION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF DISABILITY RIGHT LAW

 JONAPWD  Awka South Chapter visits ASATU and asks them to join in creating awareness for the implementation of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law.

By Chidimma Ajemba. 

Awka, 20 July 2022. (Jonapwd Awka South) The  Advocacy team of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Awka South on Wednesday 20th July paid an advocacy visit to Anambra State  Association of Town Union  Secretariat Government House Awka.

Introducing her team members, the  chairperson of Awka South JONAPWD Miss Ogoamaka GloriaMary Nwogbo noted that the State JONAPWD will pay an advocacy visit soonest  while stating that the major reasons for the visit include;

 a) To create awareness about the  Anambra State Disability Rights Law, its provisions and ASATU-specific roles in the implementation of the law.

b) To seek the contacts of President Generals in Awka South 

c) Financial Support.

In his welcome note, the National President of ASATU Hon Barr Titus Nnabuike Akpudo (Ichaka) in the company of his National Vice President III, Hon Chief Ikechukwu Offorkansi welcomed the advocacy team and noted that this was the first time persons with disabilities visited the office.

Delivering the brief, Miss Nwogbo enumerated the major issues in focus as they relate to ASATU in implementing the Anambra Disability Rights Law ASDRL 2018 as follows:

 -The need for the creation of awareness on persons with disabilities rights. Section 25(1) of ASDRL 2018.

-Provision of an adequate standard of living and social protection. Section 22(1 &2) of ASDRL 2018.

- Provision of adequate facilities at public buildings for easy access by persons with disabilities. Section 23(1) of ASDRL 2018.

She also pleaded for the contact Awka South    PGs to liaise with them in the collection of accurate data of persons with disabilities in their area as requested by the JONAPWD State Chapter.

Furthermore, the public relations officer of JONAPWD Awka South, Miss Chidimma Ajemba emphasised the need to make public buildings like town halls, civic centres, primary health centres, schools, microfinance banks, churches etc in the communities accessible through the construction of ramps and rails, good flooring and provision at least a wheelchair in these facilities. She cited sections 23,26 and 40 of ASDRL 2018  as a base and noted that most persons with disabilities in rural areas feel left out because of their inability to access these basic facilities and in turn voiceless during decision-making.

The Secretary of Awka South Jonapwd, Miss Chinenye Ikele explained the need to have a representative or desk officer for persons with disabilities in various communities whose mean duty will be to represent them in town council meetings. She noted that most times persons with disabilities are left out during policy-making and interventions. She further intimated about the  Disability Community Circle(DCC)  program introduced by JONAPWD Anambra, to reach out to pwds at the grassroots level and make their voices heard.

Mr Chigozie Aghauche, representing the Deaf in Awka South noted the need to involve sign language interpreters during town meetings so that the deaf will be carried along.

Mr Chukwuemeka Orji representing the blind in Awka South task of the ASATU members to help stop the marginalisation and intimidation pwds face in their various communities as a result of their disabilities.

Miss Uju Akunne express sadness that many deaf women cant access health facilities in their area as a result of a lack of interpreters and pray for the deployment of sign language interpreters to public health centres.

Responding to the brief, Barr Akpudo appreciated the team for taking out time to articulate their needs. He noted that most of the issues raised are coming to his notice for the first time. He committed to putting a ramp immediately in the secretariat and promised to sensitize follow town unions leaders on the issues raised. He advised persons with disabilities not to relent in advocating for their rights as that's the only way their voices will be heard. 

Barr Akpudo requested that the JONAPWD advocacy team should send a representative to their next meeting so that they will have the opportunity to interface with the community leaders for further engagements. He assured me of his willingness to work with the government of Anambra to provide support for JONAPWD and in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities at large in the state.

Hon Chief Offorkansi in his part promised to do everything within his reach to see that these salient points are addressed in his community and promised to make the contact needed available to Jonapwd.

In her vote of thanks, Mrs Oby Izueze, Assistant Secretary and Woman Leader Awka South thanked the ASUTU president for his warm welcome and expressed joy that the visit has started yielding fruit.

The high point of the visit was the presentation of a copy of the Anambra State Disability Right Law and group photograph. (Jonapwd Awka South)