By Yusuf Kumo.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has announced plans to establish the Enugu State Disability Commission before the end of the first quarter of 2025. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting with Ndi Enugu on December 14, 2024, following a presentation by Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Enugu State Chapter.
Inclusive Reportets recalls that, apart from JONAPWD, various NGOs, civil society organizations, well-meaning individuals, and disability rights experts and advocates have been appealing to the government of Enugu State to establish a disability commission to help enforce and implement the disability rights law in the state.
One of the leading advocates in this regard is Barrister Catherine Edeh, CEO and founder of the Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), who has dedicated most of her NGO projects to advocating for the passage and implementation of the law to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities in the state.
Ms. Edeh also marked her birthday by organizing a giveaway of 50,000 Naira each to eight of her followers as part of a social media advocacy campaign. In this campaign, she encouraged her followers to tag and appeal to the Governor of Enugu State and his wife to grant her only birthday wish: the establishment of a Disability Rights Commission in Enugu State to implement the law. Those who participated in the appeal correctly won the giveaway, and many have already acknowledged their rewards in the comments section of her Facebook post.
Meanwhile, the governor’s pledge has sparked widespread celebration among the disability community in the state. The proposed commission aims to address critical issues affecting persons with disabilities, including accessibility, education, employment, and healthcare.
Governor Mbah also committed to constituting the board of the commission immediately, ensuring its prompt functionality upon establishment. This move underscores his administration’s dedication to fostering inclusion and equality for all residents of Enugu State.
Members of the disability community have lauded the governor’s commitment, describing the initiative as a significant milestone in their advocacy for a more inclusive society. Many expressed gratitude for the anticipated changes, emphasizing that the commission will play a pivotal role in addressing longstanding challenges.
The establishment of the Enugu State Disability Commission is expected to mark a new era for persons with disabilities in the state, paving the way for improved opportunities and support systems.
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