World bank, Imo First Lady, Holds Sensitization on Disability Inclusive Basics Rights
…Giving Credence to Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie’s Bill on Domestication of Disable Law in Imo State
By Anselem Anokwute in Owerri
The Imo State First Lady Barr Mrs Chioma Uzodimma in collaboration with the World bank has launched a 3-day sensitization workshop on domesticating the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, a law made by Mbaitolu State Constitutiency House member, Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie.
This workshop aims to promote inclusivity and equitable treatment of persons with disabilities in Imo State.
Domestication of the Act; the workshop seeks to ensure that the provisions of the Act are incorporated into Imo State’s laws and policies. The awareness and sensitization; aims to educate participants on the importance of protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
The World Bank’s technical assistance in this initiative is part of its broader commitment to supporting development projects and promoting inclusive growth. By partnering with Imo State, the World Bank is helping to build capacity and ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected .
Hon. Ikpamezie, the Member representing Mbaitoli State Constituency in Imo State House of Assembly, who played a key role in passing a bill concerning persons with disabilities, revealed that the bill, which aims to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, was signed into law by Governor Hope Uzodimma due to its importance in tackling physical challenges in Imo State.
Adding that the bill aims to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities and promote inclusivity. Stating the fact that Persons with disabilities are face significant barriers, including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to basic services like education, healthcare, and employment.
Hon. Ikpamezie, harping on the significance of the bill which he said aims to protect the rights of people living with disabilities in Imo State by ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect. Including:
“Ensuring people with disabilities are not marginalized and are given equal opportunities, creating an environment where they will feel valued and included in the state, providing access to the same public spaces.
Hon. Ikpamezie explained that the bill aims to establish a commission for people with physical challenges, providing them with a platform to seek help and representation.
” The commission will have lawyers and representatives to advocate for people with disabilities who face marginalization or humiliation, anyone found discriminating against people with disabilities will face the law.
Accessibility provisions: public places, including; banks, hotels, supermarkets, and hospitals, will be required to have accessibility provisions for people with disabilities”.
He emphasized on building code compliance; that OCDA (or relevant authority) will ensure that building plans for public places include proper provisions for accessibility for physical challenge people before approval. Saying that government will gradually make provisions for people with disabilities to access public transport.
“The bill’s provisions aim to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equality for people with disabilities in Imo State, he maintained.
While the Commissioner for Women and Vulnerable Affairs. Hon. Mrs Nkechinyere Ugwu who represented the Imo State First Lady Barr Mrs Chioma Uzodimma ran away to avoid press interviews and gave expressed order that those without official invitations should not be attended to leaving those who came with persons with impaired visions in hunger against the preaching of inclusivity and non discriminations against the vulnerable ones in the society.
Representing Eze Imo, HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke was HRH Eze Alfred Nwachukwu Owerri Zone Chairman Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Community Policing, thank the governor Senator Hope Uzodimma for ensuring the inclusivity and closure of the barrier between the Physical challenged person’s in the society.
The Ngo Okpala Royal Father, expressed delight with the workshop to avail the persons living with disabilities to embrace the law and encouraged their members to hold tenacious to the new law on the Prohibition of all forms of discriminations against persons in disability.
