Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has given executive backing for the domestication of the Nigerian Disability Act by the State House of Assembly.
Ugwuanyi gave the approval when representatives of Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) visited him on Thursday at the Government House Enugu.
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The Voice of Disability Initiative is an advocacy network formed by women with disabilities and saddled with the responsibility of protecting the fundamental human rights of women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.
The advocacy group organized a sensitization program and rally in Enugu State as part of its activities being supported by Amplifychange to commemorate the 2022 International Women’s Day with the Campaign theme: ‘#BreakTheBias’.
Addressing representatives of VDI, Governor Ugwuanyi assured them of his support for the domestication of the Nigerian Disability Act by the Enugu State parliament.
The governor said that he is willing to go the Enugu State House of Assembly to push for the bill to be passed into law, as a demonstration of his commitment to the well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Governor Ugwuanyi, who advised members of the group to put their needs in writing for intervention, said that his administration will continue to encourage, engage and see how it could assist them.
He also commended leaders of the group for their selfless service to humanity and prayed God to continue to bless all of them.
Speaking earlier, leader of the delegation and consultant to VDI, Mrs. Onyinye Mamah, commended Governor Ugwuanyi for his passion and commitment to the wellbeing of PWDs, the passage of the Child Rights Act and Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act into law in Enugu State, as well as the entrenchment of peace, security and good governance in the state.
Mrs. Mamah, who is also the Executive Director, Heroine Women Foundation and state sub-committee chairman, gender-based violence, welfare and support, also commended the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi, for impacting the lives of PWDs, women, girl child and children in Enugu State through her pet project, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF).
“When anyone wants security, he will come to our home. We will ensure that our Enugu will continue to be the pacesetter. Persons with Disabilities recognize the efforts of Enugu State House of Assembly and Enugu State Ministry of Justice to put in place, a law that would protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities and provide for their welfare,” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, VDI, Catharine Ede, expressed gratitude to Governor Ugwuanyi for providing employment for people with disabilities who are graduates in the state civil service.
She said, “I got this work during your own time. I appreciate everything. It was during your time that many people with disabilities who are graduates got job with the state government. It is a very beautiful record that you will leave behind.”
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