National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Peter Chuck’s, Asaba
DELTA: The Delta State Association of Persons with Disabilities (DELSAPWD) has called on the government and society to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, stressing the need for empowerment rather than mere charity.
Speaking at a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Asaba, the association’s leader, Comrade Dr. Ifeanyi Joseph Chikunie, emphasized that persons with disabilities deserve the same quality of life as others.
“Our members want access to opportunities that will enable them to live independently. There is dignity and respect when someone can fend for themselves,” he said.
He criticized the common practice of offering financial handouts or food items during festive periods, stating that true empowerment comes from creating access to education, jobs, and leadership positions.
Dr. Chikunie also advocated for greater political participation, insisting that disabilities do not limit intellectual capacity or leadership potential.
“There is nothing stopping a person with a disability from becoming the governor of Delta State,” he asserted. “We are demanding inclusion in governance, not just as spectators but as key decision-makers.”
He commended the establishment of the Delta State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, urging that it be fully functional and led by individuals with firsthand experience of the challenges faced by the disability community.
The DELSAPWD leader condemned negative stereotypes about persons with disabilities, calling for an end to societal discrimination.
“For too long, we have been portrayed as helpless and dependent. That narrative is false and harmful. Many of us are educated, skilled, and ready to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.
He vowed that the association would continue to push for meaningful policies, engage with government agencies, and seek collaboration with corporate bodies and philanthropists to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Delta State.
“We are not begging for pity. We are demanding equal rights, opportunities, and recognition,” Dr. Chikunie concluded.
