Bridging the Gap: Empowering the Persons with Disabilities in Anambra State, Solution and Sustainability for a Brighter Future

Chidolue, Patrick

There has been a comprehensive solution unveiled by Prof. Williams Emeka Obiozor to ensure that persons with disabilities in Anambra State have access to a better quality of life. The Event is a Town hall meeting called by the wife of the Governor Dr. Mrs Nonye Soludo on Wednesday June 11, 2024 at Anambra State Governor's lodge Awka.

He expressed gratitude to Her Excellency, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for providing the opportunity to address the issue of finding lasting solutions through empowerment in Anambra State.

Professor Williams Emeka Obiozor, who is also the director at the Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research (CENDASNER) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities, including those with deafness, blindness, speech disorders, and mental disorders, among others. He pointed out the prevalent negligence towards this community within the state and highlighted the role of the state government in implementing solutions through empowerment and sustainability.

His presentation titled “Solution and Sustainable Empowerment of Persons with Disability in Anambra State” emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the revival of rehabilitation centers across the state and ensure accommodations for people with disabilities, including housing, job opportunities, healthcare, and education services. Additionally, he stressed the importance of recreational facilities, social events, and vocational training for the empowerment and independence of youths and adults with disabilities.

Professor Obiozor recalled the prioritization of empowering Anambraians with education and vocational skills were set priorities when we deliberated and penned down the state’s Social Agenda and Education during the 3-day Vision 2070 Project at Agulu Lake Resort shortly before the elections which ushered in this Solution Government. He pointed that the “1Youth 2 Skills Project” initiated by the state government, emphasizing the need to extend such privileges to persons with disabilities. He underscored the role of government in formulating policies, implementing programs, and providing appropriate training services for the disabled community.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of providing seed money for entrepreneurship activities after training and advocating for the use of technologies to bridge communication and institutional barriers. The campaign “Solution and Sustainability” aims to empower persons with disabilities and catalyze transformative change within the Anambra community. Professor of Adult Education and Special Learning called for collective action and support for this transformative campaign, envisioning a more inclusive and empowered Anambra community.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Her Excellency, Dr. Nonye Soludo, the Chairman of JONAPWD, Mazi Ugochukwu, and members of JONAPWD and the disability community.