The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPwD),Enugu state chapter,has appealed to the Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to give assent to the bill on ‘Inclusive Society’ geared towards integrating people irrespective of their status.
The group made the appeal in a press statement issued and signed by its State Chairman, Comrade Onyebuchi Mba on Wednesday in Enugu.
Mba said the bill had already been passed into law by the state lawmakers and they are seeking for Gov. Ugwuanyi’s assent to it.
He explained that the law entails full integration of persons with disabilities into the society, establish the Enugu State persons with disabilities agency, vested with the responsibilities for their Education, health, social, economic and civil rights and other connected purposes.
This, he said, would be refered to as Enugu State Discrimination Against Person’s with Disabilities Prohibition Bill of 2022.
Mba added that their expectations now was for Gov. Ugwuanyi to give his assent now that the state assembly had passed the bill into law.
“This is the much anticipated gift by the Government of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi led administration with a paradigm shift from charity to rights base approach on disability matters.
“It is mind-blowing and serves as a morale booster to thousands of persons with disabilities across the 17 local government areas of the State.
“We the community of persons with disabilities in Enugu State welcome with wholeheartedly the inclusive legislation in governance which hence register our dear State Enugu in the world designed principles for inclusive society,” Mba said.
Speaking further, Mba expressed gratitude to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his executive backing that saw the introduction of the Bill to the State Legislative chamber and pleaded with him to give his assent now, to enhance implementation.
He stated,”With profound humility we implore you our Dear Executive Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to give your assent to the all important Bill to give it life as a seal to your Goodwill and benevolence to the community of persons with disabilities.
“You have done pretty good for this special community and we pray God to keep, preserve and reward you bountifully”.
Mbah also expressed their sincere appreciation to Enugu State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi, the House Leader, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezugwu, Deputy Leader, Hon. Mrs Princess Onyinye Ugwu and others for their commitment that excelled the bill in the legislative chambers.