Chukwuma Odi
The Chief of Staff to Ebonyi State Government, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, has assured Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, in the state of improved welfare under the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Prof. Echiegu gave the assurance on Tuesday in his office at the New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki while addressing journalists following a peaceful protest by members of the PWDs community.
Reacting to questions on the Disability Bill, the Chief of Staff said Gov. Nwifuru had approved the assent to the bill and the process would be completed soon.
He disclosed that over 300 persons with disabilities have been enrolled in the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency for free medical services.
“The government is working to address the concerns raised by the group, including accomodation and welfare. I will meet with the leadership of the PWDs, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barrister Mrs Cecilia Nwankpuma, to find lasting solutions and ensure their welfare receives adequate attention,” he stated,
Earlier, Leonard Osi, reporter with Radio Nigeria said the visit was to seek clarification on the PWDs’ peaceful protest. The protesters are demanding monthly subventions, welfare support, assent to the disability bill, and reversal of vacation order by the ministries of Health and Women Affairs and Social Development directing them to vacate their office without alternative accomodation.
