Umuahia – The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has organised a one-day sensitisation workshop on disability-inclusive disaster preparedness for Local Government Area (LGA) officers in Abia State, aimed at strengthening inclusive climate change adaptation and disaster management at the grassroots level.
The workshop, held on November 19, 2025, at Rapha Hotel, Umuahia, brought together representatives from various LGAs, ministries, departments and agencies, disability cluster leaders, and the media. Participants were trained on strategies to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are adequately considered in disaster preparedness planning and response frameworks.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, Mr. David Anyaele, assured participants of the commission’s commitment to working with relevant government bodies to mainstream disability inclusion in all disaster preparedness plans. He commended CCD for its consistent advocacy and capacity-building efforts, noting that the organisation has been at the forefront of promoting inclusive approaches to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
According to him, “It is commendable that the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities has been drawing attention to the need for us to prepare for disasters inclusively, leaving no one behind.”
Also speaking, the Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, explained that the training marked the first time the Centre extended its capacity-building initiatives directly to the grassroots since commencing its interventions in Abia State two years ago. He expressed satisfaction with the impact of the workshop, stating that participants demonstrated a clearer understanding of disability-inclusive disaster preparedness concepts.
At the end of the programme, climate change desk officers in attendance pledged to cascade the knowledge gained within their respective organisations, reinforcing efforts to build a more inclusive and resilient disaster response system across Abia State.
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