The Abia State Disability Commission has urged political parties and candidates for a Disability-Inclusive Campaign Manifesto and to ensure persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in political campaigns, governance, and decision-making.
Chairman of the Commission, Dr. David O. Anyaele, issued the charge while receiving members of Labour Party Abia State Working Committee during a courtesy visit at Government House Umuahia. He called on candidates to move beyond broad pledges by clearly outlining in their manifestos how PWDs will benefit from programmes and legislation, backed by measurable indicators for accountability.
Dr. Anyaele stressed the need for accessible campaign platforms, sign-language interpreters at political events, and deliberate efforts to integrate disability rights into political structures. He noted that the Commission is prepared to facilitate engagement by linking State and Local Government Area disability coordinators with political partycandidates contesting for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly.
Highlighting the Commission’s achievements since its establishment under the Abia State Disability Law 2022, Dr. Anyaele explained that the focus has been on dismantling barriers and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Key interventions include:
• Distribution of thousands of assistive devices and white canes for persons with different types of disabilities.
• Training in assistive technology for blind persons.
• Enrollment of 3,000 persons with hearing impairments in assistive-device programmes.
• Economic empowerment for 250 entrepreneurs with disabilities, each supported with ₦250,000 and solar panels.
• Sensitization of over 830 teachers and health workers across 17 LGAs of the State on Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
*Capacity building for Local Government Area Mayors and Permanent Secretaries on understanding Disability Issues, Disability Laws and Budgeting.
He added that the Commission continues to work with local governments to embed disability inclusion at the grassroots, citing progress in Bende, Ohafia, and Ikwuano LGAs where accessibility audits and disability-focused appointments have been made.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Chairman of the Labour Party, Abia State, Hon. Peter Azubike, represented by the Organizing Secretary, Hon. Ben Oti commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti and the Abia State Disability Commission for prioritising disability inclusion. He stated that the purpose of the visit was to interact with the Commission. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit the Commission and stated that they were impressed by the achievements presented by the Chairman.
He further stressed that the interventions showcased had demonstrated significant progress in the state and reaffirmed the need to ensure that persons with disabilities are visible in political activities and governance across Abia.
He noted that the party needs the support of people in government and that there is a need to engage agencies and parastatals assisting the Governor in carrying out his vision.
Other members of the visiting SWC are the Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Nkiruka Ukaonu, Legal Officer, Barr. Ndubisi Nwosu, TUC representative Comrd. Okoye Iloabuchi, NLC representative Comrade Emma Alozie, Zonal Youth Leader Mr. Agaero Best Uche, and the Zonal Women Leader Hon. Akachi Jacob
