AWKA/Nigeria: The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities has called on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State to take deliberate steps toward securing active roles in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, insisting that they must not remain on the sidelines of decisions affecting their communities.
The charge was given on Tuesday in Awka by the Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, at the conclusion of a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the organisation with support from the Ford Foundation.
The workshop, themed “Ending Barriers Against Niger Deltans with Disabilities,” was aimed at equipping PWDs with the necessary knowledge and advocacy skills to participate effectively in the benefit-sharing mechanisms established under the PIA.
Speaking during the event, Unumeri stressed that awareness of the law must translate into action and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
“Once you are aware, do not sit back. Advocate and engage stakeholders. Ensure full participation, contribution and be part of decision makers rather than be seen as observers,” he said.
He urged Persons with Disabilities in Anambra to build strong advocacy networks and develop strategic approaches capable of securing their inclusion in the structures responsible for implementing the PIA.
According to him, PWDs should specifically seek representation in Host Community Development Trusts, boards of trustees and advisory committees created under the law.
“Assess your needs and ensure your advocacy targets host community structures such as development trusts, boards of trustees and advisory committees,” he added.
Unumeri further emphasised the importance of representation at every level of decision-making to guarantee fairness and inclusive distribution of benefits accruing from the petroleum sector.
Also speaking, Senior Programme Officer at CCD, Ms Florence Attah, encouraged PWDs to study and understand the provisions of the PIA in order to strengthen their participation in policy discussions and advocacy campaigns.
She advised them to embrace advocacy strategies that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound in order to achieve meaningful results.
“PWDs should work as a team, plan their advocacy to be concise and strategic so that it will attract the right stakeholders,” Attah said.
She noted that sustained and organised advocacy would help dismantle discriminatory systems, encourage inclusive policies and create equal opportunities for PWDs within the framework of the Act’s implementation in Anambra State.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Mr Chuks Ezewuzie, commended CCD for organising the workshop, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
Ezewuzie, represented by Ms Chidera Okafor, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting accessibility, inclusion, non-discrimination and equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities across the state.
He expressed confidence that the workshop would produce practical outcomes capable of advancing inclusion, equity and greater participation of PWDs in the petroleum industry and other sectors of the economy.
