The former Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Mrs. Uche Ajuluchukwu, has frowned at the manner in which the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, have neglected Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Mrs. Ajuluchukwu made the remark on Thursday in Awka, during a One day programme with the theme: The journey so Far” to mark the one year anniversary of the Anambra State Disabilities Rights Commission (ANSDRC), which was established in 2021 by the immediate-past administration of Chief Willie Obiano.
The former Nigerian Ambassador, who explained the unique importance of the ANSDRC and Persons with Disabilities, also expressed disappointment over non inclusion of Persons with disability by the Governor Soludo-led administration.
“It is not fair that no single naira was budgeted or released to the Commission since Governor Soludo took over. We voted for Soludo under APGA and after that he forgot us. At the dying minute of Obiano’s administration we where inaugurated, passed by law because he knew how important it is to have sense of inclusion. All these people (Disabilities) trained in computers should be incorporated as data officers in all the ministries, they are focused because they cannot bribe Persons with disability.
“I want the press to tell Charles Nwamgbafor that he has neglected the Persons with disability without no sense of inclusion in our dear State. It is not good, because nobody knows tomorrow. He should think back and be able to start from where Ex Governor Obiano stopped. It is not our fault the way we are and if given a chance, we will contribute our own quota”.
“Since Soludo Administration we have not recieved any funding, and it is duly established goverment agency and law. what is our crime, how have we offended him? If there is tell me, let me go and apologise. Even the house of assembly have been passing budget without any oita of funding for people with disabilities. Don’t they have people like us in their families?
“I am urging the present administration to remember us incase if they have forgotten us becuase we are not happy”.
Earlier speaking in his opening remark, Chairman, Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barr Chukwuka Ezenwuzie said the commission commenced with operation with practical attention to everyday needs of person with disabilities with the acronym START which stands for Shopping, Transportation, Access, Recreation, and Technology.
Barr Ezewuzie however explained that the Commission has achieved success in the areas of staff development and capacity building, inculcating of the spirit of volunteerism, in Ndi Anambra, promotion of special sports, Eye and skin care for Ndi Anambra with Albinism, mobility training for visually impaired, deaf community services and E government and world meeting platforms.
He revealed that one of them, Miss Vivian Ezeonwumelu received 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship award for Young African Leaders and that she is currently in the United States of America courtesy of the commission’s support.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon ify Obinabo said the ministry is ready to ensure that any person living with disability are protected and their skills maximised. While assuring the PWDs that Mr Governor will greatly attend to them.
Meanwhile, recognitions of special sports medalists like former Special Adviser on special sports, Esther’s Nwaodika who won
Five medals for Anambra, Celestial Ezeabikwa in weightlifting, Nwachukwu Nneamaka in Tennis, Nkolika bronze medal in badminton and Okwuchukwu Ugwummadu in Table tennis.
Highlights of the event was the presentation of certificates on basic computer studies and appreciation, skill acquisitions and distribution of free skin lotions and sunscreen for albinos as well as guide canes, braille among others.
