Frank Nweke Jr, the Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) revealed his plans to run an administration that prioritises social equity and inclusion of every member of society, paying special attention to People Living With Disabilities.
He made this statement in answer to a plea from Nnadi Christian Ikechukwu, the Chairperson of the Association of PLWD in Igbo-Eze South at a Town Hall Meeting held at Ibagwa on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
“We appreciate that only you, Frank Nweke, has recognised us. You invited us to the unveiling of your manifesto. Infact, another party whose name I don’t want to mention, denied one of us a ticket but in APGA today, after you came in, we have persons living with disabilities as a Ward Chairman and as a House of Assembly Candidate. All we ask for is good representation and recognition” Nnadi said.
Nweke acknowledged the current exclusion of vulnerable members of the State from opportunities and assured the people that his administration had a robust plan to alleviate the difficulties experienced by People Living With Disabilities.
“You have mentioned that there are 275 persons living with one disability or another in Igbo-Eze South. I am glad to know this because the first thing in our plan is to develop a data-driven approach that identifies the vulnerable in our State and integrates everyone in our plans for Education, Health, Human Rights, Environment and Social Services.
“I give my word that you will have adequate representation in our government. The APGA philosophy of Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya will be what guides everything we do and no one will be left behind. You already see that it is happening.
“We will ensure that our urban planning, infrastructure, regulations, institutions are developed to foster accessibility, inclusion, protection of rights and implementation of the Disability Act. We will begin with ensuring that public buildings are well equipped with ramps to make mobility easier.
“Our goal is to create opportunities for empowerment and self-sustenance, but even while doing that, we will be providing welfare packages as well”
“Also critical is that we will embark on reorientation and enlightenment programs to shift cultural beliefs and behaviours about PLWD. We will leave no one behind.”
In closing, the APGA Gubernatorial Candidate announced a donation of ten wheelchairs and ten crutches to the group which he said should be distributed to its most vulnerable members, in addition to a pair of prosthetic legs for one of the persons present.
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