CLP Holds Two-Day Training in Imo… Urges Communities to Embrace Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

By Christy Emeka

A non-governmental organization, Community Life Project (CLP), has called on communities across the country to actively integrate persons with disabilities (PWDs) in their activities, stressing that such inclusion would foster dignity and belonging.

The appeal was made during a two-day training held by the organization, on September 26 and 27 at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish Hall, Umuorii Uratta, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.

Speaking at the event, the programme manager, Celine Osukwu, said the initiative was designed to promote inclusivity and raise awareness about the rights of PWDs.

“We are pleading with communities: please carry everyone along, including the physically challenged. They are not second-class citizens; they are first-class citizens like everyone else. Whatever activities you are doing in the community, involve them,” Osukwu emphasized.

She explained that CLP had carried out similar interventions in Nsukka, Enugu State, and in parts of Imo, focusing on tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering vulnerable populations. According to her, the group engages town unions, youth associations, married women, umuada and other stakeholders to address the root causes of violence.

Osukwu added that the Owerri North programme covered communities in Umuoba, Umuorii, Umualum, and Okwu. PWDs were also educated on existing laws protecting their rights, with a call to leverage both national and state legislations to defend themselves against GBV and discrimination.

The training, titled “A 2-Day Training for Persons With Disabilities in Owerri North Communities,” had the theme: “Understanding Our Rights as PWDs and How to Protect Ourselves from Gender-Based Violence.”

One of the facilitators, Miss Ifeanyi Ukwueze, a blind volunteer from Enugu State with a Master’s degree in Mental and Emotional Health, said she was passionate about counseling and empowering others.

“I’m a counselor by profession. I offer free counseling to individuals, leaving them better than they came. Volunteering here gives me joy,” she said, while speaking on the importance of self-esteem.

Participants also shared personal experiences. Elder Ernest Akujobi, who lost his sight in 2023, recounted how he initially battled despair but later embraced acceptance after medical efforts failed.

“Just one day, I couldn’t see again. I went to Lagos, visited churches and eye clinics, but nothing changed. Eventually, I relaxed and accepted my condition,” he said.

Another participant, Georgenia Ugo, said her biggest takeaway was learning not to be ashamed of her disability. Similarly, Miss Nora Ekwe, accompanied by her brother, remarked: “Do not insult anybody with a disability. Everyone is disabled in one way or another.”

The programme also featured contributions from parents and caregivers, including Mrs. Mercy Anorue, who attended with her daughter Onyinyechi.