The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has urged Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra to actively position themselves as decision makers in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 rather than passive observers.
Mr Godwin Unumeri, Acting Director of CCD, made the call on Tuesday in Awka at the end of a two-day workshop organised by the centre with support from the Ford Foundation.
The workshop, themed “Ending Barriers Against Niger Deltans with Disabilities”, sought to strengthen the capacity of PWDs to advocate for inclusion in the Act’s benefit-sharing structures.
Unumeri said the workshop was designed to equip PWDs with knowledge of the law and their rights to enable effective participation in PIA implementation across the Niger Delta, including Anambra.
“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 (PWDs) in Anambra to organise themselves and develop effective advocacy strategies to secure inclusion in the implementation structures of the PIA.
He specifically called for their participation in Host Community Development Trusts, boards of trustees and advisory committees.
“Assess your needs and ensure your advocacy targets host community structures such as development trusts, boards of trustees and advisory committees,” he added.
Unumeri stressed the need for representation at all levels of decision-making to guarantee inclusive benefit-sharing.
Also speaking, Ms Florence Attah, Senior Programme Officer at CCD, encouraged PWDs to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the PIA to enhance their capacity for advocacy and policy engagement.
She advised PWDs to adopt structured advocacy strategies that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.
“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 added that effective advocacy would help challenge unfair systems, promote inclusive policies and ensure equal opportunities in the implementation of the Act in Anambra.
In a remark, Mr Chuks Ezewuzie, Chairman of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, commended CCD for the workshop, describing it as timely and impactful.
Ezewuzie, who was represented by Ms Chidera Okafor, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting accessibility, inclusion, non-discrimination and equal opportunities for PWDs.
He expressed optimism that the workshop would yield actionable outcomes to strengthen inclusion, promote equity and expand opportunities for PWDs in the petroleum sector and beyond.
