The Abia State Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons has enhanced the leadership skills of disability cluster leaders to improve their ability to serve their communities effectively.
The two-day leadership training, which commenced on Monday in Umuahia, brought together representatives from seven disability groups, including the Nigeria Association of the Blind, the Abia State Deaf Association, and the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities. Other participating groups included the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), the Albinism Association of Nigeria, the Leprosy Association, and the Association of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
Speaking at the event, the commission’s chairman, Mr. David Anyaele, described the training as a strategic step toward strengthening the well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Abia. He noted that the initiative was designed to equip leaders with the necessary skills to harness their potential and seize opportunities under the New Abia State project.
Anyaele emphasized that the commission aims to position PWD organizations for greater local and international support while reducing internal conflicts and promoting unity among their leaders. He urged participants to leverage the training to clarify their vision, identify practical solutions, and drive collective progress.
“This is an opportunity to gain essential skills to inspire and motivate your members, foster a positive environment, and build productive, goal-driven teams,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to Governor Alex Otti, Anyaele praised the governor’s commitment to inclusive leadership. He highlighted Otti’s appointment of six persons with disabilities into government positions and his approval for a Zonal Office of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in Umuahia. Additionally, the governor has mandated that all public buildings and bus stops be made accessible to PWDs.
A facilitator at the event, Mr. Adegbemi King, an international consultant on leadership and development, stressed the crucial role of PWD leaders in advocating for inclusion, shaping policies, and empowering their communities. He described the training as a “train-the-trainer” workshop aimed at equipping leaders with skills to participate in decision-making at various levels.
King underscored that leadership is a learnable skill and encouraged participants to embrace self-growth, resilience, adaptability, communication, advocacy, and collaboration.
Echoing this sentiment, SCIAN state chairman, Mr. David Onuoha, applauded the commission for the initiative, noting that it had reshaped participants’ perspectives on leadership.
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