By Chinwendu Uzoatu
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has stated the need for breaking down barriers and creating technology that is accessible and inclusive for everyone.
The Chairman of JONAPWD, Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke said this during the celebration of 2023 International Day for Persons with Disabilities, held at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre , Awka, which attracted persons with disabilities from the 21 LGAs of the state.
Okeke said that the objective of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities annually is to promote awareness of disability issues and mobilize support of everyone for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the society. He also stated that the day is also used to encourage actions that will showcase the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
He said: “The theme for 2023 celebration is “United in Action to Rescue and Achieve the SUG’S For, With and By Persons With Disabilities.”
Okeke explained that the theme suggests the need to unite and take actions to support and empower persons with disabilities in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adding that the theme emphasizes that persons with disabilities should not be left behind in global effort to address poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability.
He thanked the ICT Agency of the state for having an inclusive ICT policy which will help persons with disabilities in the state to fit in to the ICT mantra of the state – Technology everywhere, everything technology.
Okeke further appealed to the governor to grant automatic employment to qualified persons with disabilities.
Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Chuks Ezewuzie thanked the members if JONAPWD for their steadfastness and encouraged them to do more.
The MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, Fred Chukwuemeka Agbata, represented by Tochukwu Ebeku had these to say: “This years theme underscores the critical role technology plays in breaking barriers and empowering persons with disabilities. As we embrace the transformative power of technology, we must also recognize the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. We must ensure that technological advancement are not just accessible to them but also designed with their needs in mind.”
Barr. Victor Meju, an executive of JONAPWD expressed the need for persons with disabilities to be given opportunity to shine, access things and to move freely.
Awards were presented to some people, who have rendered their support in most special ways to them. They are: Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ndubisi Obi; MD/CEO Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr Simeon Onyemechi; Commissioner for Budget Planning, Hon Chiamaka Nnake and Igwe Christopher Muoghalu, Isu ll of Isuofia .
Highlights of the event include newscast by the blind, dance by the deaf and dumb, drama by albinos.
Recall that JONAPWD kicked off the observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities with a special novelty match at Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Field a day before their celebration.
The match was between Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Nigeria Association of Blind (NAB). While NAB scored five goals, NUJ scored nil.
In his remarks, the NUJ Coach/Captain, Comrade Abuchi Onwumelu, who also represented the NUJ Chairman, Dr Emeka Odogwu Emeka, said: “I want to appreciate God for bringing us together, to see the other side of life. The lesson inherent is that no one knows it all.”
On his part, the NAB Coach, Chude Emma Chukwuebuka said: “NUJ put smiles on our faces by blinding themselves for some minutes, making us to be inclusive in the society.”
The person that scored all the five goals, Kenechukwu Peter Agbanu stated that the experience was good and interesting. He advised everybody to have focus and determination, even as he said that there is ability in disability.
JONAPWD appreciated their various partners: RoLAC2, Palladium, NSCDC, Vivigold Foundation for Albinism Empowerment, Education and Healthcare, African Child Social Empowerment Centre, NUJ, Federal Road Safety, among others.