Mr. Chuks Ezewuzie, Special Adviser on Disability Matters to Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra, has assured People with Disability (PWD) of more government support, interventions, and services.
Ezewuzie said on Tuesday in Awka during a news briefing that the assistance had become imperative to enable PWDs to participate fully in society and community life.
He said that the governor had provided funds and loans for the empowerment of the PWDs in the state describing the gesture as a step in the right direction.
“In this regard, I am embarking on a visit to all the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra to meet with people with disabilities in their various communities and reassure them of Obiano’s commitment to their welfare.
“The visit will also afford me the opportunity to access how far with the implementation and utilization of the funds and address the operational needs of various stakeholders.”
Ezewuzie said that in line with his electoral promises to the people with disabilities, Obiano had employed so many persons into various ministries and his cabinet with a promise of doing more.
He said some of the communities have Multi-Purpose Co-operative Societies, Rice Farm at Omor, and other farms to boost their activities.
Ezewuzie, however, commended the effort of Mr. Ugochukwu Okeke, Anambra State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability, for his assistance in pushing for the welfare of persons with disability.
The official further explained that his office would always familiarise itself with the people in order to understand their challenges and map out strategies for meeting their demands.
“When I understand the needs of these special persons I will channel all efforts toward achieving more government’s interventions for them,” he said.
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Ezewuzie, however, cautioned that as the COVID-19 was still on, the persons with disabilities being more vulnerable to adverse socioeconomic outcomes than persons without disabilities should adhere more to the pandemic’s protocols.
He also emphasized that the government would continue to ensure adequate support and care for them.
He said that the government had also taken various actions to ensure that PWDs could always access the health-care services and public health information they required on Coronavirus.
Ezewuzie, however, reinstated Obiano’s commitment to promoting measures that would facilitate equal access to public facilities and services for persons with disabilities in urban and rural areas. (NAN)