…Calls For Inclusivity In Ongoing Infrastructural Development In Enugu
The Enugu State Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, commends the Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for the successful disbursement of the NG-CARES grant to over 150 members of their association.
In a press release signed by JONAPWD Chairman, Comrade Onyebuchi Mba, more than 150 members of the disability community in Enugu State were empowered with seventy thousand naira (N70,000) each disbursed through the Enugu State Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) center; “this significant intervention aims to enhance the businesses of the citizens and promote self-reliance in our community.”
“We wish to express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and support for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The visionary leadership demonstrated by Governor Mbah has made a tangible and positive impact on the lives of our members, and we are deeply thankful for his dedication to improving the welfare and livelihoods of persons with disabilities in our state.”
The group also commended the head of Enugu SME Centre for successful disbursement: “Our sincere appreciation also goes to the head of Enugu SME center, Mr. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, for the impeccable execution of this empowerment initiative. We commend his efforts, integrity, and commitment to the empowerment and economic development of persons with disabilities in Enugu State.”
Comrade Mbah advised beneficiaries of the NG-CARES grant, and members of the disability community to utilize the funds for the intended purpose, which is to enhance their businesses, foster self-realization, and promote independent living.
“The grant must be leveraged to create sustainable and thriving business ventures that will contribute to the economic growth of our state, and we trust that our members will utilize this opportunity to fulfill their entrepreneurial aspirations,” Chairman JONAPWD.
He however appealed to the Governor to enforce inclusivity in the architectural plans of the proposed building of 260 smart schools in the 260 wards and the ongoing massive road project in the State to accommodate students and persons with disabilities.
“We urge the State Government to incorporate universal design principles in the planning and construction of these schools, ensuring that they are fully accessible to students with special needs. This will facilitate equitable access to quality education and promote the participation and inclusion of students with disabilities in the learning process.”
The group pleads on infrastructure development ongoing in the state: “We implore the government to prioritize the construction and modification of roads and public spaces to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. Implementing features such as curb ramps, tactile paving, and accessible pedestrian crossings will enhance mobility and ensure that individuals with disabilities can navigate public spaces safely and independently.”
“By integrating accessibility features into the infrastructure and educational facilities being developed, the Enugu State Government will demonstrate a commitment to creating a society where individuals with disabilities can fully participate and contribute to the state’s progress.”
Seeking the partnership of good-spirited individuals, the group also expressed faith in the Mbah administration to establish the Enugu State Disability Commission; the Commission will be responsible for policies that protect the interest of the group.
Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, NG-CARES, Program, is a state-level intervention that aims to mitigate the local impacts of the global pandemic by safeguarding the livelihoods of vulnerable households and supporting the recovery of local economic activities.
NG-CARES Programme is anchored on three (3) Result Areas with eleven (11) Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) with options of selection by the States.
The result areas are increased social transfers, basic services, and livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households; increasing food security and safe functioning of food supply chains for poor households and facilitating recovery and enhancing capabilities of MSEs.
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