Members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ebonyi State Chapter, have staged a peaceful protest in Abakaliki, calling on the state government to address what they described as years of neglect and exclusion.
The protesters demanded monthly financial subventions, improved welfare support, greater inclusion in government appointments and empowerment programmes, as well as the immediate assent to the Disability Bill recently passed by the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.
The association also condemned an alleged eviction notice directing it to vacate its secretariat, a facility it has occupied for over a decade, without the provision of an alternative office.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the demonstrators appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene, stressing that persons with disabilities deserve equal opportunities and should not face discrimination because of their condition.
Speaking during the protest, the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Friday Nwovu, lamented what he described as the continued marginalisation of persons with disabilities despite repeated appeals to the government.
He urged the governor to approve monthly subventions, expand welfare programmes, assent to the pending Disability Bill, and appoint qualified persons with disabilities into strategic public offices.
Despite their grievances, the association reaffirmed its support for the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru and expressed confidence in his commitment to addressing their concerns.
Responding on behalf of the state government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, assured the protesters that Governor Nwifuru had approved the Disability Bill for final assent and that the process would be completed soon.
He also disclosed that more than 300 persons with disabilities have been enrolled in the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency to enable them access free healthcare services.
Professor Echiegu further assured the association that the government would convene a meeting involving the leadership of JONAPWD and the relevant commissioners to resolve issues surrounding their welfare and office accommodation.
