The Abia State Government on Thursday sensitised members of the media on their roles and responsibilities in ensuring the operationalisation of the Abia State Disability Law, 2022.
The one-day sensitisation workshop in Umuahia, which brought together many members of the media in the state, was organised with support from the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD).
Mr. David Anyaele, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) said that the government was interested in the media ownership of the implementation of the law.
He said that the disability bill which was passed by the House of Assembly and signed into law on Oct. 11, 2022, made provisions for the protection of rights of PWDs.
Anyaele, who made different presentations on “Models of Disability” and “Abia State Disability Law” urged members of the media to always give proper interpretations in their reportage of PWDs.
He explained that the PWDs include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Anyaele said: “The media has been our eyes, legs and ears around issues of governance and PWDs.
“Now that there is a law, we feel that it is imperative that we present it to them because they were part of the struggle that led to its passage.”
He said that the government was concerned about the negative attitude of the people and the society towards PWDs and would want to stop it.
According to him, we are going to be rolling out radio gingles to sensitise the public about the rights and welfare of PWDs, including the provisions of the law.
In a remark, Mr Okechukwu Kalu, the Legal Adviser, Abia State Advisory Committee on Disability Matters said that the disability law would not be effectively implemented without the support from the media.
Kalu also commended CCD for its struggle in ensuring the welfare of PWDs not only in Abia, but also the country in general, even as he urged others to join hands with the group.
The participants in their contributions showed a high level of interest and commitments towards the implementation of the disability law.
