The Imo state chapter of National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) has called for swift domestication of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act at the State House of Assembly.
The wheelchair users made the call while celebrating the international wheelchair day yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, with the theme, Mobility, Inclusion: Empowering Lives Globally.
Speaking at the event, one of the founding fathers of NAPWPD and one time National Vice President of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, Amb.(Sir) Iyke Ibe urged NAPWPD to collaborate with other stakeholders for the passage of the bill because according to him, the passage of the bill into law will bring monumental benefits to the persons with Disabilities in the state.
Ibe maintained that those who are living with various forms of Disabilities should not see it as a curse rather a blessing in disguise hence use it to serve both God and humanity. He however thanked the organisers of the program for creating such awareness in the state.
In his keynote address, the state Coordinator of the body, Hon. Jude Chukwuma Okparaeke emphasized on promoting accessibility and inclusivity, highlighting the importance of making the world a more accessible place for all.
Okparaeke listed the profound impact of wheelchairs on individuals’ lives in fostering dignity and independence. He also acknowledged the pressing global need for wheelchairs with millions of people worldwide requiring them but facing barriers to acquisition. He however appreciated the invaluable contribution of caregivers, organisations and communities that aid wheelchair users.
In his own contribution, one of the major stakeholders in the event, Dr. George Egeonu Nzewuihe emphasized on the need to create awareness of the international wheelchair day and called on both national and international development partners to collaborate with NAPWPD in order to find lasting ways to alleviate the sufferings of Persons with Disabilities in the state.