Flagbearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 6 Anambra State Governorship elections, Professor Charles Soludo, has assured Persons with Disabilities in the State of intentions to establish an Anambra State Disability Rights Commission within few months if elected into office.
Soludo disclosed this to Anambrarians with disabilities in a campaign message made available to Inclusive News Network.
He remarked that the Commission helps the Government and Persons with Disabilities to promote and ensure protection of Disability Rights and Inclusion as provided in the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, 2018 .
The Governorship candidate promised to encourage entrepreneurs with disabilities who are members of Cooperative Societies to access Anambra State Small Business Agency( ASBA) loans. Soludo also promised to assist manufactures/farmers with disabilities in accessing Central Bank grants and credit facilities for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
The ex-CBN Governor said: “We will make provisions for political appointments for Persons with Disabilities with equal considerations for the various clusters (Persons with Physical Disabilities, Blind, Deaf, Albino and Women with Disabilities) at the State and Local Government levels.
“We will extend retirement period of service for Persons with Disabilities. We are doing this to cushion the effect of challenges Persons with Disabilities usually face before they are gainfully employed. There will also be monthly stipends for the aged and unemployed Persons with Disabilities. Housing units will be built for low income earners with Disabilities.
“We will continuously implement Automatic Employment Programs for Ndi-Anambra with Disabilities while extending the Academic Scholarship Programme of the current administration for students with disabilities from primary to tertiary institution, among others”
Soludo assured of his plans to make provision for special mobility allowance to workers with disabilities to enable them take care of their mobility aids and appliances.
There will also be provision of special/accessible buses to take care of transportation needs of Persons with Disabilities, the Governorship hopeful concluded.