The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Heroine Women Foundation, Women Support Women for Human Empowerment and Mentorship Initiative (WOSUWO) have called on Governor Peter Mbah to inaugurate the Enugu State Disability Commission.

The groups made the appeal during a meeting on Saturday in Enugu, citing the governor’s promise to establish the commission by the first quarter of 2025.

They  also appealed to the governor to intervene in revitalizing the Braille Resource Center for the blind under the Smart School Green project, which has been encroached upon by private individuals. They emphasized the need for synergy to develop the site and promote inclusive education.

JONAPWD Chairman, Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, expressed concern over the omission of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from key appointments and decision-making processes in Enugu. He urged Governor Mbah to fulfill his promise and ensure inclusivity in governance.

“Nearly two-years of this administration like over the years, PWDs have been excluded from governance and leadership positions, denying them a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives.

“We solicit the 17 local government council chairpersons to accommodate PWDs in grassroots governance, fostering diversity and representation.

“As an association, we are requesting heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to show empathy on issues affecting PWDs and create synergy amongst government offices on disability matters to address their needs,” Mba said.

He regretted that land allocated for the establishment of a Braille Resource Center for the Blind in 1980 by Dr Jim Nwobodo, the then Governor of old Anambra State and facilitated by the Rotary Club of Nigeria had been encroached by private individuals.

“The land which is located at Plot 7, Ugwuoba Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, was handed to Anambra State Ministry of Education but successive governments failed to develop the site beyond the initial structures.

“They left it vulnerable to encroachment and claims of ownership by private individuals.

“We call for synergy and action to create a beacon of hope and empowerment for the blind child,” he stressed.

He, however, encouraged PWDs to remain resolute and maintain the spirit of resilience, holding onto hope for a brighter future as the governor was capable of addressing their needs

In a reaction , the Executive Director Heroine women foundation as well as president Women Support Women for Human Empowerment and Mentorship Initiative (WOSUWO) Amb. Onyinye Mamah, described the commission’s inauguration as long overdue and urged the state government to prioritize PWDs’ needs.