JONAPWD Decries Members’ Inaccessibility of Education, Jobs, Health Facilities in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has identified inaccessibility of public buildings, transport, schools and health facilities as well as limited employment opportunities for qualified members in organized private sector as challenges facing its members in Anambra state.

State Chairman, Comr Ugochukwu Okeke disclosed this on Friday at the End-of-the-Year Meeting and Prayer Summit in commemoration of 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The annual event, themed, “Let Us Praise God” drew over,500 members from across the 21 local government areas of the state.

According to Okeke, the group had also suffered lack of proper enforcement of the Disability Rights Law, discrimination and negative attitudes within communities, shortage of assistive devices and inclusive education systems as well as limited representation in political and decision-making spaces.

He called on government to enforce the Disability Rights Law, create accessible infrastructure, strengthen the Disability Commission, expand employment and empowerment opportunities.

He also urged the church to ensure inclusive worship spaces, promote acceptance and love, support families of persons with disabilities, and challenge stigma.

“We call on communities and individuals to stop discrimination, embrace respect and equality, and offer support where needed, just as we urged schools to adopt inclusive education, provide accessible learning environments and teacher training.

“Hospitals should improve accessibility, ensure respectful service, provide rehabilitation and early intervention services.

“We challenge our members to continue to develop skills, aim higher, use opportunities wisely, unite as a community, and be positive examples.”

While congratulating Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his victory in the November 8 election, Okeke described his re-election as clear confirmation o trust and confidence the people have his leadership and transformational agenda

He also thanked the wife, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, State Disability Rights Ambassador, for her unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of PWDs through empowerment initiatives, social welfare programs and employment opportunities.

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her recent economic empowerment support to 250 PWDs in our state.

“We encourage the beneficiaries to use this empowerment wisely, invest meaningfully, and ensure that it adds real value to your lives and your families.

“Let this support be a stepping stone to greater productivity, self-reliance, and contribution to society. To those who are yet to benefit, we kindly urge you to remain patient and hopeful.

“To other supporters – Naira Rice Limited, EmeNet International Ltd, Ministry of health, members of Disability Community who donated willingly for this program and those who do not want their names to be mentioned, we thank you most sincerely for your cash and kind donations,” he added.