Persons with Disabilities in Anambra State expressed joy as they received annual Christmas give aways from Gov. Willie Obiano alongside appointment of 131 of their colleagues into the State civil service. This is in fulfilment of the Governor’s earlier commitment to ensure access toeducation and employment for PWDs.
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State chapter chairman Comr. Ugochukwu Okeke said on Monday, that the employment constitutes a “memorable Christmas present for ndi Anambra with disabilities. At a time when other governors are struggling with the payment of workers’ salaries as a result of the economic recession, our own Governor, Akpokuodike, is employing more persons – Persons Disabilities. It shows his commitment to the disability community in Anambra State. We are very happy and grateful to him.” He has indeed proved that the issue of Persons with Disabilities in Anambra State has been transformed from objects of charity to subject of Rights.”
A blind graduate who was one of the beneficiaries, Nwabunwanne Romanus, also expressed joy over the employment. For him it’s a dream come true.
“I’m very excited about this appointment. It’s like a dream come true. I’m very grateful to His Excellency, Akpokuodike, for this unforgettable Christmas gift to Ndi Anambra with disabilities. May God continue to bless and establish him.”
The exercise which started on Monday at the office of the Civil Service Commission, Awka, with about 60 persons with disabilities receiving their appointments letters, continued yesterday and is expected to end after the Christmas break.
In 2017, Gov. Obiano had approved the employment of about 65 Persons with Disabilities into the State work force. Similarly, on December 18, 2018, the governor gave a memorable Christmas gift to the disability community with his assent to the Disabilities Rights Bill. Anambra State thus became the first State in the South East with a functional Disabilities Rights Law.