by Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has charged Persons Living With Disabilities PLWDs in the state to take advantage of government programmes and activities to better their lives.
Governor Otti who gave the charge while addressing Persons Living With Disabilities across the state who were in Government House Umuahia for a thank-you visit, reiterated his administration’s commitment in removing the barriers that hindered PLWDs from maximising their potentials.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba while noting that Abia belongs to everyone and that no one would be left behind in development because of disability, maintained that his administration will continue to create awareness around disability inclusion to reduce the stigma and discrimination.
The State Chief Executive while commending them for being good ambassadors of the state, enjoined them to look beyond their predicaments, remain focused and committed in actualizing their aspirations in life.
He described them as partners in progress whose contributions to the development of the state and beyond can not be overemphasized, and assured them of better days ahead.
In her speech, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche challenged PLWDs not to limit themselves but look inwards and come up with laudable ideas that will help them develop both physically, mentally, emotionally and otherwise.
In their speeches, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons Living With Disabilities, Mr David Anyaele, the State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, Mr Wisdom Okechukwu while commending Governor Otti for his numerous developmental strides across all facets of the state economy, said they came to thank him for giving them a pride of place in his administration.
In a vote of thanks, Mr Samuel Ekeoma thanked the State government for the support given to them and stressed the need for attitudinal change of public and private sectors on issues concerning PLWDs including stigmatisation, inaccessibility of buildings, lack of basic amenities, empowerment among others and appealed to the state government to ensure the full implementation of the state disability law.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Apostle Kenneth Wiper, Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Magdalene Ugoanusi among other top government officials were present during the thank-you visit.
