Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano Inaugurates Disability CommissionThe Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has inaugurated the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC).
The ceremony was held at the Executive Chambers Government House, Awka.
The Special Adviser on Disability Matters, Mr Chukwudi Ezewuzie, will serve as Chairman of the Commission while Mrs Chinenye Okeke serves as the secretary.
Other members include Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, Mrs Anthonia Obianyo, Mrs Victoria Okonkwo, Mr Tony Oli, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, Dr Pat Okeke, Mrs Eucharia Anekwe and Mr William Umeh.
Governor Obiano called on the newly appointed members of the Commission to generate effective policies that will boost the government’s commitment to effectively protecting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The commission’s terms of reference include implementing government policies in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, issuance of guidelines for education, social development and welfare of PWDs and issuance of directives and guidelines to special schools, among others.
Speaking at the event, Obiano said his major interest in engaging the PWDs stemmed from the need to ensure their protection from harassment and discrimination, inclusion in development and empowerment for economic liberty.
In a vote of thanks, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Commission, Mr Ezewuzie, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters, expressed delight that they were found worthy of the appointment pledged to fulfil the mandate given to them.
The newly inaugurated Chairman of ASDRC, Chukwuka Ezewuzie, commended Governor Obiano for the move described the inauguration as the Governor’s forward-looking thrust and consolidation on most of his legacy projects.
While handing over copies of ASDRC Establishment Law and United Nations Conventions on Rights of PWDs as working documents for board members, he said Obiano had empowered PWDs to become self-reliant, breadwinners and nation builders.
On his part, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, Ugochukwu Okeke, said through the initiative, Obiano had written his name in gold, adding that Obiano was the first governor in the South East to sign the Disability Rights Law and Establishment of Disability Rights Commission.
Present at the occasion was the state Executive Council and many members of the Disability Community.
A minute silence was observed for the visually impaired Mmaduabuchi Nnofu, murdered by his brother Onyedika at Ekwulobia.
The maiden members of the Commission will serve for a term of four years.