Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has restated his administration’s firm commitment to eliminating all barriers that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities in society.
The governor made this known in a goodwill message on Wednesday as Abia joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
Governor Otti described the Day as an important United Nations–recognized event that promotes understanding of disability issues while highlighting the rights of persons with disabilities and the benefits of integrating them fully into political, social, economic, and cultural life. He noted that the commemoration offers Abia State an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and participation of persons with disabilities in its socio-economic development.
Reaffirming his government’s dedication to inclusion, Otti said the administration is guided by the Abia State Disability Law, the National Disability Act, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He emphasized that guaranteeing the well-being and equal opportunities of persons with disabilities remains a central priority.
Speaking on this year’s IDPD theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” the governor said it aligns strongly with the values of his administration. He explained that the State has strengthened the capacity of Permanent Secretaries across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies on disability inclusion, the Abia Disability Law, and disability-responsive budgeting to ensure that “no one is left behind.”
Governor Otti highlighted ongoing upgrades to public infrastructure to improve accessibility. He revealed that the newly acquired mass-transit buses are fitted with accessibility features for persons with physical disabilities, pregnant women, and the elderly. He added that similar inclusion-focused capacity-building programmes have been extended to Local Government Areas, with LGA Mayors and Chairmen trained across the three Senatorial Zones.
The governor also noted that over 800 primary healthcare workers, teachers, and parents/caregivers have been sensitized on supporting children with intellectual disabilities in the State. He reiterated his government’s stance against all forms of discrimination, stigma, and isolation of persons with disabilities.
While wishing Abians with disabilities a happy celebration, Otti assured that the State would scale up its disability-inclusion initiatives in the coming year. He stressed that as Abia continues its journey to reclaim its glory as “God’s Own State,” every resident—regardless of disability—will be carried along.
The statement was issued by Mr. David Anyaele, Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities and Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission.
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