Enugu – The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Enugu State chapter has extended her gratitude to the Enugu State Government for her remarkable empowerment of her members through the NG-CARES Grant.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, 23rd January, 2023 by Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, Chairman,JONAPWD, Enugu State.
The statement reads:
“We the Enugu State Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) extend our heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable empowerment initiative by the Enugu State Government through the NG-CARES grant. This initiative has seen over 150 members of the disability community in Enugu State being empowered with 70,000 Naira each through the Enugu State Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) center. This significant intervention aims to enhance the businesses of the citizens and promote self-reliance in our community.
We wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and support for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The visionary leadership demonstrated by Governor Mbah has made a tangible and positive impact on the lives of our members, and we are deeply thankful for his dedication to improving the welfare and livelihoods of persons with disabilities in our state.
Our sincere appreciation also goes to the head of Enugu SME center, Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, for the impeccable execution of this empowerment initiative. Hon. Chilo-Offiah’s dedication to implementing the “tomorrow is here” ideology of our dear governor through inclusivity has been instrumental in ensuring the successful disbursement of the NG-CARES grant to the disability community. We commend his efforts, integrity and commitment to the empowerment and economic development of persons with disabilities in Enugu State.
As beneficiaries of the NG-CARES grant, we encourage all members of the disability community to utilize the funds for the intended purpose, which is to enhance their businesses, foster self-realization, and promote independent living. It is imperative that the grant be leveraged to create sustainable and thriving business ventures that will contribute to the economic growth of our state, and we trust that our members will utilize this opportunity to fulfill their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Additionally: we appeal to Hon. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah led administration to replicate their commendable disposition of inclusivity in the proposed building of 260 smart schools and the ongoing massive road project in the State. The proposed construction of 260 smart schools presents a significant opportunity to create an inclusive educational environment that caters to the needs of all students, including those with disabilities. We urge the State Government to incorporate universal design principles in the planning and construction of these schools, ensuring that they are fully accessible to students with special needs. This will facilitate equitable access to quality education and promote the participation and inclusion of students with disabilities in the learning process.
Furthermore, the ongoing massive road project in Enugu State provides an ideal platform to demonstrate commitment to inclusivity in infrastructure development. We implore the government to prioritize the construction and modification of roads and public spaces to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Implementation of features such as curb ramps, tactile paving, and accessible pedestrian crossings will enhance mobility and ensure that individuals with disabilities can navigate public spaces safely and independently.
It is crucial to underscore that replicating the spirit of inclusivity in these key projects aligns with international design principles that promote equity, inclusion, and participation for persons with disabilities. By integrating accessibility features into the infrastructure and facilities being developed, the Enugu State Government will demonstrate a commitment to creating a society where individuals with disabilities can fully participate and contribute.
While we maintain our belief in Governor Mbah’s commitment to establishing the Enugu State Disability Commission, responsible for these policies, we also call on good-spirited individuals and organizations to join hands with us in supporting persons with disabilities. By fostering inclusivity and providing support, together we can create an environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate in the socioeconomic development of our state.
We firmly believe that embracing inclusivity in these initiatives will not only enrich the lives of persons with disabilities but also contribute to building a more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive society. Therefore, we urge the Enugu State Government to consider the unique needs of individuals with disabilities in all development projects, fostering an environment where every citizen can thrive and contribute to the progress of the state. INDEED: ARE TOMORROW IS HERE IN ENUGU STATE.
Signed: Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD)
Enugu State Chapter.
Phone: (07034441164)/(07038977557).”
