The Abia State Government has mandated the installation of elevators and other accessibility features in all public buildings to accommodate persons with disabilities, as part of its commitment to inclusive governance.
This directive was announced by the Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission (ASDC), Mr. David Anyaele, during a capacity-building workshop for permanent secretaries held in Umuahia. The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of the Abia State Disability Law and promote the mainstreaming of disability issues in the operations of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Mr. Anyaele revealed that the Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, had already begun the process of making public infrastructure—such as the State Secretariat—accessible, in alignment with the Governor’s directive. He called on permanent secretaries to follow suit by prioritizing disability inclusion in their ministry budgets and operations.
“Permanent secretaries are the backbone of public administration. While political appointees may change, they remain the consistent drivers of government policy,” Anyaele said. “It is their duty to ensure no person is excluded because of a disability.”
He highlighted the numerous barriers persons with disabilities face—ranging from physical infrastructure to communication, institutional, and attitudinal challenges. He stressed the need for sign language interpreters in public service, braille resources for the blind, and inclusive building design that features ramps with handrails, accessible toilets, and lifts equipped with braille and audio signals.
The ASDC Chairman further emphasized the need for each MDA to designate disability focal persons and ensure all facilities comply with universal accessibility standards. He also disclosed that the Commission would begin marking special parking spaces for persons with disabilities and penalize those who flout accessibility rules.
“Accessibility is not just physical—it’s about communication, information, and participation,” Anyaele added.
He commended Governor Alex Otti for his unflinching support and for approving the training workshop, describing the move as a sign of the Governor’s dedication to empowering the Commission and advancing disability inclusion.
Speaking on behalf of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) program, Mr. Peter, represented by Onyedikachi Odi, hailed the Disability Law and inclusive budgeting initiative as a milestone for inclusive governance in Abia State. He reminded the permanent secretaries of their leadership roles in ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has equitable access to services.
“The Disability Law offers us a framework to build a truly inclusive Abia State. It’s our shared responsibility to bring its provisions to life,” he noted.
Permanent secretaries in attendance expressed gratitude for the training. Lady Oge Maduka of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs pledged to implement the lessons learned. Similarly, Barrister Chibuzo Ehiemere of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy described the workshop as eye-opening.
“We’re leaving this workshop enriched,” she said. “It’s now clear that our budget planning must be inclusive and reflective of the needs of persons with disabilities.”
The workshop ended on a high note, with a collective commitment by government officials to embed disability inclusion in public service delivery and policy implementation across Abia State.
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