We’llcontinue to remove barriers hindering PWDs from being in leadership positions – Gov. Otti
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says his administration is committed to ensuring that People With Disabilities (PWDs) would not only participate in leadership but would continue to remove barriers that hinder them from being in leadership positions on equal basis with others.
Governor Otti stated this in his goodwill message on Tuesday on the occasion of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“Today’s commemoration provides another opportunity for us to reflect on the efforts toward ensuring the well-being of Abians with disabilities and their extent of participation in the socio-economic development of our State.
“I would like to state that the vision and mission of our government is simply to reduce the incidence of disability in our State. This we are doing through investment in education, healthcare, and provision of accessible services and infrastructure using the Abia State Disability Law as our guide,” the Governor declared.
The theme of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
Governor Otti noted that the theme of this year’s commemoration was apt, as it speaks to his campaign manifesto, and the state government’s vision for people with disabilities, which is to ensure that this category of citizens is represented at all levels of leadership in the state.
“All the members of the Abia State Disability Commission are persons with disabilities. At the last count, six persons with disabilities have been appointed by our government.
“As a government, we are committed to increased leadership capacity and capabilities of persons with disabilities even as they drive the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life, as there is nothing about persons with disabilities without persons with disabilities.
“Therefore, we say no to all forms of discrimination, stigma, and isolation of Abians by reason of disability,” the Governor said in a statement by his Special Assistant on Persons with Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele.
Governor Otti, while wishing Abians happy celebrations, reiterated the determination of his administration to demonstrate to the world that in restoring the glory of Abia and making her truly the Number One State in Nigeria, and God’s Own State, PWDs would continue to provide leadership on issues that concern them.
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