The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Ebonyi State has renewed its call for Governor Francis Nwifuru to establish a Disability Commission and strengthen support for Persons with Disabilities across the state.
The association said the proposed commission would provide a structured framework for improving education, skills development, employment opportunities and political representation for persons with disabilities.
Speaking with journalists over the weekend, the Ebonyi State Chairman of JONAPWD, Friday Nwovu, said many members of the disability community were facing severe economic hardship and struggling to access education.
He said more than 50 persons recently approached the association for financial assistance to register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Nwovu said the situation highlighted the urgent need for government intervention targeted at improving the welfare and economic independence of Persons with Disabilities.
Call for Rights, Not Privileges
According to Nwovu, JONAPWD operates through different disability clusters across all 13 Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State to ensure grassroots representation and protect the collective interests of its members.
He said the establishment of a statutory Disability Commission would help move Persons with Disabilities away from dependence on handouts and political patronage.
“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.”
Nwovu stressed that the association was seeking the protection of fundamental rights rather than special treatment.
“We are talking about fundamental rights, not privileges,” he said.
He added that a statutory commission would strengthen advocacy, improve public awareness and hold relevant authorities accountable for accessibility standards across the state.
Poverty Fuels Internal Struggles
Addressing reports of internal divisions within the association, Nwovu linked the disagreements largely to poverty and the daily struggle for survival among many members.
He said sustained government intervention, targeted empowerment programmes and genuine inclusion could significantly improve the lives of Persons with Disabilities in Ebonyi.
“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.”
The association urged the Ebonyi State Government to prioritise the establishment of the Disability Commission as part of broader efforts to promote inclusion, economic empowerment and equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
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