A non-governmental organisation, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), has appealed to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to domesticate the Persons with Disabilities Discrimination Act.
CDD acting director, Mr Godwin Unumeri made the call in a statement in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The state assembly passed the bill after its last reading on October 16th, 2024, awaiting the governor’s assent.
According to Unumeri, the bill when passed into law, would ensure the full integration, rights and development of persons with disabilities in Imo, who made up an estimated 15% of the population of the state.
The statement reads, “CCD is requesting the governor to swiftly sign the disability law which is currently on his desk. This will uphold the constitutional rights of Imo people with disabilities; demonstrate the administration’s strong commitment to inclusion as well as foster an enabling society where persons with disabilities can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
“This also will align Imo with both national and international best practices in disability rights, advancing her compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities)”, Unumeri said.
Unumeri expressed gratitude to Imo assembly, various disability groups, organisations and individuals who played pivotal roles in scaling the disability bill to its final reading and passage by the assembly.
