In a powerful and unprecedented gathering, a coalition of highly educated and motivated individuals with disabilities in Delta State has declared their unwavering commitment to challenge negative stereotypes, demand meaningful inclusion, and empower fellow persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the state.
Speaking with passion and purpose, the group emphasized their determination to dismantle outdated narratives that have long portrayed PWDs as objects of pity or charity.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday February 4, 2025, in Asaba, the State Capital, the Chairman, Comrade Dr. Ifeanyi Joseph Chikunie, flanked by Barr. Kingsley Akpederin and others, said: “We are not helpless. We are not dependent. We are agents of change, endowed with resourcefulness, talent, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society,” he asserted.
What sets this group apart is not just their education or motivation but their consciousness of the immense potential within themselves and others living with disabilities.
Their goal is clear: not just to help fellow PWDs “get by,” but to ensure they “get ahead.”
“We are committed to supporting those who may not have the same privileges as we do. We will sacrifice our time, energy, and resources to create opportunities for every person with a disability to thrive,” he said.
The group unveiled an ambitious, multi-faceted empowerment program aimed at transforming the lives of PWDs across Delta State.
Their initiatives are designed to promote education, economic independence, health, and social inclusion:
1. Education and Skill Development:
Launching inclusive education programs and vocational training, establishing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centers in all 25 local government areas, introducing courses on artificial intelligence to equip PWDs with future-ready skills.
2. Economic Empowerment:
Implementing entrepreneurship programs and microfinance initiatives, facilitating job placement services to enhance financial stability and self-sufficiency.
3. Advocacy and Policy Reform:
Engaging in robust advocacy to challenge discriminatory practices, ensuring PWDs have meaningful representation in policy-making bodies, especially with the recent establishment of the Delta State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
4. Health and Wellness:
Providing access to comprehensive healthcare, including mental health services and rehabilitation, Promoting health education to improve the overall well-being of PWDs.
5. Social Inclusion and Community Engagement:
Organizing cultural and community activities to reduce stigma and foster a sense of belonging and nsuring that every PWD feels valued, respected, and included in society.
In light of the recent establishment of the Delta State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the group stressed that they are not merely seeking representation, they are demanding leadership roles in shaping the policies that directly impact their lives.
“For too long, decisions about us have been made without us. That ends now. We will not be sidelined or spoken for. We will speak for ourselves, and we will lead,” the group declared.
The association made a solemn pledge to its members: within their fold, there will be no discrimination, injustice, or exclusion of any kind. Every person with a disability will have equal access to empowerment opportunities, mentorship, and the support needed to achieve their full potential.
The group commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his empathy and support toward the disability community, particularly for signing the Delta State Disabilities Bill into law.
They also expressed gratitude to the Delta State Scholarship Board for its special schemes for PWDs, while calling for improvements to ensure that these benefits reach more deserving members of the community.
However, they emphasized that government efforts alone are not enough. They are reaching out to corporate bodies, civil society organizations, philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to join in this transformative journey.
As they concluded, the message was clear and resounding:
“We are not here to be pitied. We are here to be heard, to be seen, and to lead. Together, we will create a Delta State where persons with disabilities are not just surviving, they are thriving.”
This movement is not just a call for inclusion, it’s a declaration of ability, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every person, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
