By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, Onitsha South Local Government chapter, on May 7, commended the Council Mayor, Hon. Chief Emeka Orji, and his Personal Assistant, Mrs. Ebere Ezechukwu, for donating 25 bags of 25kg rice and N30,000 to the association.
The appreciation came during the group’s monthly meeting at the Council Secretariat, immediately after the presentation.
Speaking on behalf of members, the Chairman Mr. Victor Igwebuike said the gesture was unprecedented.
“We have never had it so good in the past. This is the first time our meeting has been attended by the sitting chairman to felicitate with us. I pray that this position he holds now is just the tip of the iceberg, and he will go higher in life,” Igwebuike said.
While acknowledging government support, he noted that assistance is often limited and does not reach all 108 registered members. “Sometimes only two or three persons in Onitsha South get financial mobilization. We thank the government for what we have received so far, but like Oliver Twist, we want more,” he said.
Igwebuike appealed for increased and consistent support from the local government chairman, the governor, lawmakers, and other stakeholders. He stressed the need for aids such as hearing aids for the deaf, wheelchairs and crutches for the physically challenged, and guide canes for the blind.
He also called for financial support and empowerment programs to help members avoid street begging. “Some of us have skills but lack the resources to move forward. If we can get monthly stipends or empowerment packages, it will give members something to do and restore dignity,” he added.
The association’s Head of Department for Education and Social Development, Nwanorue Augustine Ikechukwu, said the monthly meetings help members deliberate on welfare and identify government channels for support. He noted that JONAPWD has been active in Onitsha South for about 10 years.
Mayor Orji said his administration has been backing the group since 2024, including sponsoring their school at Patrick Okoro, Odoakpu, and providing sewing machines for tailoring training. Last year, he also supported a member with N500,000 for a shoe-making business at the Council Secretariat.
The association said it will continue to engage government officials to ensure their needs are addressed.
Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
