Umuahia, Abia State — October 13, 2025:
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has congratulated the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, on the third anniversary of the passage of the Abia State Disability Law, describing it as a landmark in promoting the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, CCD praised Governor Otti for his administration’s deliberate and inclusive steps towards implementing the law, which have significantly improved the lives of PWDs across the state.
The organisation commended the governor for several milestones, including the strategic appointment of qualified PWDs into key positions within the government. Among the appointees is Mr. David O. Anyaele, a renowned disability rights advocate, who serves as the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities.
CCD further applauded the establishment of the Abia State Disability Commission and the appointment of Mr. Anyaele as its pioneer Chairman. Other notable members of the commission include Mr. Stanley Onyebuchi, National President of the Nigeria Association of the Blind; Ms. Ijeoma Okoronkwo, a leader of persons with albinism in Abia State; and Mr. Emenike Amakwe, alongside the late Mrs. Chinenye Ogboso. The group described the Commission as a “key institution” driving the success of the law and reflecting the spirit of “nothing about us without us.”
The statement also highlighted the Governor’s approval for the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) South East Zonal Office in Umuahia, noting that the move cements Abia’s position as a regional leader in disability inclusion.
CCD urged the state government to sustain its momentum by ensuring adequate funding for the Disability Commission and mainstreaming accessibility across all government sectors. It also called on other state governors to emulate Abia’s example by establishing and adequately funding disability commissions, as well as promoting inclusive initiatives such as para-sports.
According to CCD, these actions are essential to unlocking the full potential of PWDs and ensuring that “no citizen is left behind.”
The statement reiterated CCD’s commitment to supporting the Abia State Government in building an inclusive and equitable society. The organisation noted that it has been at the forefront of disability advocacy in Nigeria, leading campaigns for the passage of the Lagos State Special Peoples’ Law (2010), the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (2018), and the Abia State Commission for Disabled Persons Law (2022).
CCD’s ongoing projects in Abia State include initiatives promoting disability-inclusive climate change mitigation and adaptation, inclusion in petroleum industry benefit-sharing, and participation in greenhouse gas emission and environmental policy discussions.
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