The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, has appealed to governor-elect, Prof. Charles Soludo to include them as members of his political appointees.
State Chairman, JONAPWD, Mr. Ugochukwu Okeke made the call when he received members of the Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in Awka, on Saturday.
Okeke said such inclusion would help them have a voice in government as well as contribute their quota to the development of the state.
“We appreciate governor Willie Obiano for the opportunity accorded persons with disabilities by employing about 250 of us into the state civil service and for establishing the disability commission.
“When we have some of us in government they are in the best position to understand the needs of people like us and push for policies that will better our lives.
“We also want his administration to consider having a data of PWDs in the state, continuous employment of PWDs, introduction of social protection programmes, housing scheme, scholarship and improved healthcare,” he said.
Okeke also urged political parties to prioritize total inclusion of PWDs to help them contest during elections and fully participate in political activities.
Earlier, the Manager, JDPC Onitsha/FCDO project, Mr. Alphonsus Nwoye said the visit was to generate development issues to be used in engaging the incoming administration. Nwoye said such engagement would deepen inclusive and good governance for sustainable development in Anambra.