The Anambra State Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Barrister Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, has called for urgent collective action to create inclusive communities for persons with disabilities, describing it as a moral imperative.
In a statement released in Awka to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Commissioner Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche emphasized that while government efforts in enacting and enforcing laws such as the Anambra Disability Rights Law 2018 are crucial, the true impact can only be achieved when every member of society consciously upholds the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
She noted that small, intentional actions by individuals can make a significant difference, from ensuring accessibility in public spaces to protecting persons with disabilities from discrimination and abuse, and involving them in decision-making processes.
“Providing food items and other philanthropic gestures is commendable, but the most impactful way to dignify persons with disabilities is to ensure equal opportunities, accessibility, and protection of their rights,” she stated.
The Commissioner commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Nonye, for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities, citing their strategic policies and inclusive gestures as key to making Anambra a truly livable and prosperous state for all.
She urged society at large to embrace inclusivity as a shared responsibility, emphasizing that fostering a sense of belonging for persons with disabilities is essential to preserving their dignity and humanity.
