Owerri, Nigeria — Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill, 2024, following its passage by the State House of Assembly.
The announcement was made during a recent three-day workshop on rights-based approaches to disability-inclusive development, governance, and public policy held in the state capital.
With this assent, Imo State joins more than 20 other states across Nigeria that have domesticated the national Disability Act — a landmark legislation aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The journey to this milestone was not without its challenges. The passage and eventual signing of the bill were the result of sustained advocacy by prominent disability rights activists and organizations within the state.
The bill was sponsored by Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikpamezie, the member representing Mbaitoli State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly.
Key disability organizations — including the Imo State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), led by Barr. Chidubem Uzodimma Ekwelem, and the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), under the leadership of Hon. Jude Okparaeke — played pivotal roles in the campaign. Their coordinated efforts brought the energy and strategy needed to see the bill through to enactment.
Stakeholders at the workshop commended the governor for his responsiveness and called for immediate steps to implement the law, ensuring it delivers real benefits to PWDs across the state.
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