The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra Stateaa Chapter has its 2025 End-of-Year Meeting and Praise Day as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
In his opening address in Amawbia, the State Chairman JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, said the event, held under the theme “Let’s Praise God,” provided an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of persons with disabilities and reflect on key issues affecting their welfare, rights, and inclusion.
He noted that the annual IDPD observance serves as a global platform to raise awareness on disability issues, promote dignity, and advocate for policies that support a truly inclusive society.
According to him, persons with disabilities contribute immensely to education, sports, business, culture, innovation, and governance, yet continue to face barriers that limit their full participation.
While highlighting the global 2025 IDPD theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Society for Advancing Social Progress,” Okeke stressed that meaningful development cannot be achieved when any group, especially persons with disabilities, is excluded from education, employment, healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and community life.
The JONAPWD Chairman commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on his re-election, describing the victory as a sign of public confidence.
He also praised the governor and the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for supporting the disability community through empowerment programmes and welfare initiatives.
Okeke however expressed concern about persistent challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Anambra State despite the existing Disability Rights Law, such as inaccessible public buildings and transport systems, limited employment opportunities, weak enforcement of disability laws, discrimination, inadequate assistive devices, poor inclusive education structures, and insufficient representation in decision-making positions.
He called on the state government to strengthen enforcement of the Disability Rights Law, improve accessibility in public infrastructure, empower the Disability Commission, and expand livelihood and employment programmes, urging religious institutions to make worship more inclusive and fight stigma within communities.
Okeke appealed to schools to adopt inclusive learning systems and healthcare facilities to ensure better access, rehabilitation services, and early interventions for children with disabilities. He encouraged persons with disabilities to remain united, build their skills, and take advantage of available opportunities.
JONAPWD also appreciated the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for extending economic empowerment to 250 persons with disabilities in Anambra State. Okeke said the support, delivered through the governor’s wife, would enhance the financial independence of beneficiaries.
He encouraged them to use the funds responsibly and assured others that future editions of the programme would include more participants.
The association equally acknowledged the contributions of Naira Rice Limited, EmeNet International Ltd., the Ministry of Health, private donors, and members of the disability community for supporting the event.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chide Emma Chukwuebuka, Chairman of Onitsha North Chapter, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to inclusive programmes and urged the state government to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities.
During the event, members Patrich Ezeobinwa and Chika Okafor expressed concerns and offered suggestions. Patrick Ezeobinwa called for more meetings at the local government level and increased participation in sports to strengthen unity and improve members’ wellbeing.
Another member, Mr. Chika Okafor, decried the sidelining of some members in programmes meant to benefit the wider community and called for fairness and reform.
In his closing remarks, Comrade Okeke thanked members for their observations, assuring them that their concerns had been duly noted and would be addressed. He urged continued unity and cooperation for the growth of the association.
The event featured worship sessions, a health talk, an interactive session with the Nigerian Red Cross, and a lecture by Access Bank on savings and investment.###
