By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), on Tuesday, said it would no longer allow members to erect churches whose buildings or structures are not accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State.
The Anambra State Chairman of PFN, Bishop Moses Ezedebego declared this at Awka during the 2024 commemoration of International day for PWDs, an event organised by Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), under the theme 'Amplifying the Leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future."
Ezedebego, represented by a member, Pastor Mark Odogwu, assured that they would commence building of ramps and others with a view to ensure that PWDs gain equal access to their church buildings in accordance to sections 23 and 26 of Anambra State Disability Rights law 2018.
The law, passed by Anambra State House of Assembly and assented to by former governor Willie Obiano also provided that all the public buildings built by government, organisations or individuals such as churches, hostels, tenancy homes, schools, markets and others must provide quick and free entrances to PWDs.
It also provided for inclusion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in all areas of live and society, including marriage, politics, religion, among others, while stipulating various ways to punish it violators without fear or favour.
Bishop Ezedebego, however, urged PWDs in Anambra State to refrain from self pity and explore all opportunities to develop and impact lives positively because according to him, there is no disability in God.
"God created a man as a spirit. He created us in His own image. Nobody is less human. You are only disable when you are poor in your mind or when you fail to do the needful. You must identify your God giving gifts, and explore available opportunities in your environment to impact lives positively.
"We will not allow you to be seen as beggars in our churches. You are our members. We will stop our congregation from isolating or discriminating against you. We will provide ramps to make our churches accessible. We will make it a law that all our churches must be accessible to persons with disabilities," he stated.
Also speaking, Engr. Sandra Chioma Okoye argued that no cluster of persons with disabilities is less human, because according to her, with the help of Technology such as phones, Artificial Intelligence and other software and hardware applications, they could do whatever the so-called able persons could do
She therefore charged PWDs to deepen or improve knowledge of digital technology so as to relate much better with society, improve access, productivity, employment and personal growth.
On his part, the immediate past State Chairman of JONAPWD, Mr Lawrence Nwanolue, hailed the association leadership for improvement in impacting knowledge and new ideas into their members for inclusion, growth and diversity.
Speaking at a panel discussion, a journalist, Comrade Lawrence Nwimo charged PWDs to seek elective, voluntary and appointed positions to gain insights, enhance opportunities and advocate for societal inclusion.
The panel which x-rayed benefits of amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future, also had Miss Chidinma Ajemba, a Mandela Washington fellow; Ms Ncheta Nwanokwara of Anambra State Women with Disabilities; an educationist and leader of Anambra State Albinism, Mr Ben Orizu, among others.
The panelist advocated for full implementation of Anambra State 2018 disability rights law, urging private and public institutions to allow them access to their building structures, support to contest and win or get appointed into various leadership positions, among others.
Earlier speaking, the State JONAPWD Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke recalled that PWDs had enjoyed improved access to healthcare, justice sector, governance and others through the support of Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) programme, a European Union programme currently implemented by International IDEA.
Okeke, who commended the Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo for approving appointment of some of their staff and other policies, however, advocated for more in the spirit of inclusiveness.
He, however, decried over poor access and inclusion in the State, and called on the governor to direct contractors handling the ongoing public constructions such as new Government house, Ekwueme square, Awka Fun City, and others to make them accessible and friendly to PWDs.
On celebration, he said it was dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the rights and well being of individuals with disabilities around the world.
"Approving a mobility aid allowance for civil servants with disabilities, as the high cost of living makes it difficult for some of us to replace damaged aids. Direct the commissioner's for youth to organise a special 'one youth, two skills' programme for persons with disabilities to benefit a greater number of our members. Appointing more qualified members of our community to political offices, as stipulated in Section 52 of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018.
"The inaccessibility of public structures and the transportation system remains a serious challenge that limits our active participation in society. The exclusion of our members from appointments and elective positions causes us sleepless nights, while the non-functionality of some rehabilitation centres where our members could be trained and empowered is a significant concern.
"It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to build a society that is inclusive and accommodating to the needs of persons with disabilities. This requires providing greater access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential services, while also promoting a culture of respect, understanding and acceptance," he stated.