Owerri, Imo State – June 2, 2025
The Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the World Bank, has hosted a three-day workshop focused on rights-based approaches to disability-inclusive development, governance, and public policy. The workshop took place at Rockview Hotel in Owerri on Monday, 2nd June 2025, drew participants from key government ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and civil society organizations.
Her Excellency, Barr. (Dr.) Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, First Lady of Imo State, was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, HH Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu, who declared the workshop open. In her remarks, Lady Ugwu emphasized the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the inclusion and equal treatment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Imo State.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the assented copy of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, recently signed by Governor Hope Uzodimma. The announcement was met with visible excitement and jubilation by members of the disability community in attendance.
“Her Excellency is deeply passionate about addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. She strongly advocates a rights-based approach that recognizes them first as human beings who deserve equal treatment—not charity,” Lady Ugwu stated.
Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie, sponsor of the bill in the Imo State House of Assembly, commended the Governor for his swift assent to the bill. He stressed that the Act will play a crucial role in alleviating the struggles of PWDs and called for disability inclusion in all aspects of governance and development.
World Bank representatives Dr. Adebukola Adebayo Shehu and Uzoamaka Ashiegbu underscored the workshop’s objectives: to reshape public perception of disability, introduce practical policy development skills, and promote full inclusion of PWDs in decision-making processes.
The workshop attracted broad participation from traditional rulers, political leaders, legal professionals, the media, civil rights groups, and representatives of various MDAs. The gathering also provided an important platform for dialogue and collaboration on inclusive policy frameworks that uphold the rights and dignity of all citizens.
