The Abia State Disability Commission has called on political parties and candidates contesting elective positions in the state to adopt disability-inclusive campaign manifestos and ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully represented in political campaigns, governance and decision-making processes.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. David O. Anyaele, made the call while receiving members of the Labour Party Abia State Working Committee during a courtesy visit to the Government House, Umuahia.
Dr. Anyaele urged political parties and candidates to move beyond broad promises by clearly stating in their manifestos how persons with disabilities would benefit from proposed programmes, policies and legislation. He also called for measurable indicators to be included to enable the disability community and other stakeholders to track implementation and hold elected officials accountable.
He stressed the importance of making political campaigns accessible to persons with disabilities, including the provision of sign-language interpreters at political events and the deliberate integration of disability rights and representation into party structures.
According to him, the Commission is prepared to facilitate direct engagement between political candidates and the disability community by linking State and Local Government Area disability coordinators with candidates contesting for the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.
Highlighting some of the Commission’s achievements since its establishment under the Abia State Disability Law 2022, Dr. Anyaele said the Commission had remained focused on dismantling barriers and creating greater opportunities for persons with disabilities across the state.
He listed some of the interventions to include the distribution of thousands of assistive devices and white canes to persons with different types of disabilities, as well as training in assistive technology for persons who are blind.
He added that about 3,000 persons with hearing impairments had been enrolled in assistive-device programmes, while 250 entrepreneurs with disabilities had benefited from economic empowerment support, with each beneficiary receiving ₦250,000 and solar panels.
The Chairman further disclosed that more than 830 teachers and health workers across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas had been sensitised on issues affecting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
He also noted that the Commission had embarked on capacity-building programmes for Local Government Area Mayors and Permanent Secretaries to deepen their understanding of disability issues, disability laws and disability-inclusive budgeting.
Dr. Anyaele said the Commission was also working closely with local governments to institutionalise disability inclusion at the grassroots level. He cited Bende, Ohafia and Ikwuano Local Government Areas as examples where progress had been recorded through accessibility audits and disability-focused appointments.
Responding on behalf of the Labour Party Abia State Working Committee, the party’s Chairman, Hon. Peter Azubike, represented by the Organising Secretary, Hon. Ben Oti, commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti and the Abia State Disability Commission for prioritising disability inclusion in the state.
Hon. Oti said the purpose of the visit was to interact with the Commission and gain a better understanding of its activities and interventions. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Commission, noting that the delegation was impressed by the achievements presented by the Chairman.
He said the interventions highlighted during the meeting demonstrated significant progress in advancing the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Abia State.
The Labour Party representative further stressed the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are visible and actively involved in political activities, governance and decision-making across the state.
He noted that the party requires the support and collaboration of government institutions and agencies to effectively contribute to the realisation of the Governor’s vision for Abia State.
He therefore called for stronger engagement with government agencies and parastatals supporting the administration, saying such collaboration would help strengthen efforts towards inclusive governance and development.
Other members of the Labour Party State Working Committee delegation included the Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Nkiruka Ukaonu; Legal Officer, Barr. Ndubisi Nwosu; TUC Representative, Comrade Okoye Iloabuchi; NLC Representative, Comrade Emma Alozie; Zonal Youth Leader, Mr. Agaero Best Uche; and Zonal Women Leader, Hon. Akachi Jacob.
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