By Douglas Princemola, Owerri
Owerri, June 2, 2025 — In a landmark move to institutionalize disability-inclusive governance, the Imo State Government has partnered with the World Bank Group to host a three-day workshop dedicated to promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The workshop, which runs from June 2 to 4, 2025, is being held in Owerri under the theme: “Rights-Based Approaches to Disability-Inclusive Development, Governance, and Public Policy.”
The high-level event is organized by the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and is endorsed by the First Lady of the state, Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma, a renowned advocate for vulnerable groups and social justice. The workshop brings together senior officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organizations, disability rights advocates, and international development partners, all united by a shared commitment to improving inclusivity in public policy and governance.
The initiative is particularly significant in light of recent legislative advancements in the state. A key moment during the workshop was the formal recognition of Hon. Engr. Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie and his fellow lawmakers for their instrumental role in sponsoring and passing the Imo State Disability Inclusion Bill. Now enacted into law, the bill lays the foundation for a rights-based framework that ensures equal access to opportunities and services for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ikpamezie emphasized the importance of legislative will and executive backing in the fight for disability rights. He expressed deep appreciation for Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma, who has consistently demonstrated political commitment to the cause of inclusive governance. According to Ikpamezie, the new law represents a transformative step toward dismantling barriers—both physical and systemic—that hinder the full participation of people with disabilities in public life.
One of the workshop’s most impactful segments was an experiential session titled “Access Check,” which simulated real-life scenarios faced by individuals with physical, visual, and auditory impairments. Participants, including top government officials and development partners, were challenged to navigate spaces while using wheelchairs, blindfolds, and other assistive simulations. The exercise aimed to foster empathy and drive home the message that inclusive design is not optional but essential for a just society.
Throughout the workshop, panel discussions, technical sessions, and group activities delved into global best practices in disability inclusion. Topics included inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, disability-sensitive budgeting, and the role of data in policymaking. Experts from the World Bank Group shared insights from international models and emphasized the economic and social dividends of disability-inclusive development.
First Lady Chioma Uzodimma, in her goodwill message, reiterated her office’s commitment to championing the rights of persons with disabilities. She called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively to translate policies into concrete actions, stressing that inclusion must become a standard feature of governance, not an afterthought.
The workshop concludes on June 4, but its impact is expected to be long-lasting. It marks a critical step forward in mainstreaming disability rights into Imo State’s development agenda. With legislation now in place and strong institutional support, the path is clearer than ever for building a more equitable, inclusive, and responsive governance system—one that leaves no citizen behind.
