The Umeri Disability Forum have organised it first community based observance of the 2022 International day of persons living with disabilities.

 

The event which took place at Enuobodo Central School play ground, Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, featured presentation of awards to people who have distinguished themselves in support to the society especially to the disability community.

In his keynote address the coordinating consultant Umeri Disability Forum, Mr. Sam Obiefuna, said that disability affords one the opportunity to make the best use of ones God given Talents and intelligence stating that welfare of disability community will improve if the legislature, media and civil society pursue the goal of inclusion of persons living with disabilities through empowerment and access to innovations.

He noted that with this year’s theme as ‘ Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and Equitable World’, there is a shift from the usual focus of the celebration to a more empowering campaign towards attaining a more accessible and inclusive society through innovative ideas to produce transformative solutions for inclusive development to persons living with disability.

Seeking for more support to the community by appointing a special adviser to the governor on disability matters, Mr Obiefuna thanked the government of Professor Chukwuma Soludo for continuing on the transformative path of inclusive development for persons living with disability as was obtainable in the immediate past administration.

 

In their separate remarks some of the awardees including the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Princess Stella Oduah represented by Barrister Micheal Emejulu, the APGA Senatorial Candidate for Anambra North, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano represented by Mr Obiora Nnatuanya among others thanked the community for honouring them and assured their continuous support to the development of persons with disabilities.

Those present, including Mr Nweke Obidigbo, Miss Mary Fidelis, and Martha Chiage, thanked the coordinator for his work in ensuring the happiness, development, and inclusivity of the Umeri disability community and appealed to the state government for more support.