The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ebonyi chapter, has renewed its call on Governor Francis Nwifuru to prioritise the welfare and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the state, primarily through the immediate establishment of a Disability Commission.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Friday Nwovu, appealed to the state government for structured intervention.
He emphasised that the proposed commission would serve as a crucial framework to drive education, skills empowerment, employment opportunities, and political representation for PWDs.
Nwovu lamented the severe economic hardship confronting the disability community, revealing that many members remain unable to pursue higher education due to an inability to cover school fees.
He noted that over 50 individuals recently approached the association seeking financial assistance just to register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Highlighting the association’s structural reach, Nwovu explained that JONAPWD operates through distinct clusters across all 13 Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State to ensure effective grassroots representation and defend the collective interests of all members.
Addressing reports of internal divisions within the group, Nwovu attributed the factional struggles largely to widespread poverty and the desperate daily effort to survive.
“Many persons with disabilities currently depend on handouts and political patronage to get by,” Nwovu stated.
“This is why establishing a dedicated commission is critical; it will move our members away from relying on temporary privileges toward enjoying legally recognised rights.”
“We are talking about fundamental rights, not privileges,” he stressed, adding that a statutory commission would strengthen public advocacy, build community awareness, and hold local authorities accountable to accessibility standards.
“Disability is not inability; it is simply a challenge,” Nwovu said. “With sustained government support, targeted empowerment, and genuine inclusion, begging among Persons with Disabilities can become a thing of the past in Ebonyi State.”
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