RSG To Gazette Disability Law

As part of modalities for the full enforcement of the State Disability Law of 2011, the Rivers State Government has directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to gazette the law.
Governor Chibuike Amaechi announced the plan through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii yesterday at the 2014 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held at the City Council Hall in Port Harcourt.
Amaechi said the gazetting of the law would provide the needed documentation and publicity that will help in the enforcement of the law.
He challenged persons with special needs not to feel abandoned as government is doing all in its capacity to integrate them into the society, “you are part and parcel of our society and we recognize your special needs and we assure you that government will respond to your needs.”
According to him, the Amaechi led administration has provided a conducive atmosphere for them to tap from their talents and said, “please don’t bring yourself down, you can achieve as much as you can.”
He said, the state government would soon commence the construction of the School for Persons with Special Needs at the Greater Port Harcourt area, while assuring that they would be incorporated into the employment schemes as well.
Earlier, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Joe Poroma said the day was being commemorated as part of the United Nations directive in order to draw attention to those with disabilities.
He recalled that since the inception of the Amaechi led administration, persons with special needs have been given serious attention as over 400 have been trained in different trades and skills.
Aside providing scholarships to them, Mr. Poroma stated that government has provided wheel chairs, hearing aids and other equipment to reduce their plight.
He therefore called on multi-national companies and individuals to support government effort pointing out that the welfare of people with disabilities should be everybody’s concern.
In her address, member of the State House of Assembly representing Port Harcourt Constituency 1, Hon. Victoria Nyeche said supporting those with disability should be backed with action.
She said when those with disability are provided for, the society is positively impacted, since such gesture encourages such persons to contribute their quota to national development.
Nyeche however challenged those with disability to participate in the recent voter’s registration in order to exercise their rights as citizens of the country.
Calling on government to come to their aid, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONNAPWD), Rivers State Chapter, Mr Uhumabe Edima lamented that the body has been operating in the past two years without funding, functional secretariat and vehicle.
Edima implored the government to ensure that that the Disability Law of 2011 was fully implemented to curb discrimination faced by persons with disability.
Highlights of the programme included special rendition, drama and awards given to Hon. Nyeche for sponsoring the State Disability Law and Commissioner for Social Welfare, Mr. Poroma for uniting and promoting the welfare of those with special needs.