Disability rights took centre stage as the Enugu State Disability Commission called on the public and institutions to treat persons with disabilities with dignity, eliminate barriers to essential services and promote an inclusive society.
The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Disability Commission, Mr Sunday Egbo, has appealed to members of the public to treat persons with disabilities (PWDs) with dignity, compassion and respect while calling on institutions to eliminate barriers that restrict their access to essential services.
Egbo made the appeal during an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Enugu.
He urged hospitals, banks, schools, courts, markets and transport operators to provide disability-friendly infrastructure, including ramps and other accessible facilities, to enable persons with disabilities to access public services without discrimination.
According to him, the commission has intervened in several cases involving alleged discrimination against persons with disabilities, including complaints relating to airport services and recruitment processes.
“We receive reports of discrimination from different sectors. Accessibility remains a major challenge in hospitals, banks, schools, courts and many public places. These are issues the commission is committed to addressing,” he said.
Egbo stressed that disability can affect anyone at any stage of life and urged the public to show empathy and support rather than discrimination.
“When you meet a person with a disability, offer support instead of discrimination. We all deserve equal opportunities and respect,” he said.
Sharing his personal experience, the executive secretary disclosed that he lost one of his legs following a medical injection but refused to allow the disability to define his future.
He explained that he later became a legal practitioner and served in the judiciary for 12 years before his appointment as the pioneer Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Disability Commission.
Egbo called on residents to recognise the commission as the government agency responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
He also encouraged members of the public to report cases of discrimination and partner with the commission in building a more inclusive society.
Addressing persons with disabilities, Egbo urged them to assert their rights with confidence rather than viewing themselves as beneficiaries of charity.
“Your right is your right. You should approach government institutions with confidence and not feel that anyone is doing you a favour by respecting your rights,” he said.
Despite operating with limited resources, Egbo said the commission is laying the foundation for protecting the rights, welfare, education and social inclusion of persons with disabilities across Enugu State.
He explained that although the commission was established in 2025, it only commenced full operations a few months ago after receiving its initial funding from the state government.
According to him, the commission is yet to recruit its full workforce and is still awaiting the renovation of its office but has continued to carry out advocacy, stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns.
Egbo said the commission has been engaging relevant institutions, civil society organisations, donor agencies and other stakeholders to promote awareness of its mandate.
He identified the development of a comprehensive database of persons with disabilities as one of the commission’s immediate priorities, noting that reliable data would support effective planning and implementation of programmes in welfare, education, employment and political participation.
Egbo commended the Enugu State Government for establishing the commission, describing the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening the rights, inclusion and representation of persons with disabilities in governance and public life.
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