The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) on Wednesday organized a one-day capacity-building workshop for local government officers in Abia State to equip them with skills to promote inclusive disaster preparedness at the grassroots level.
The sensitization workshop aimed to ensure that persons with disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in climate change adaptation and disaster management initiatives. Supported by the Disability Rights Fund, the training drew disaster response officers from various LGAs, representatives of ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as leaders of disability clusters.
In his remarks, Mr. David Anyaele, Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, said the commission would collaborate with other government agencies to ensure disaster preparedness initiatives are inclusive of PWDs.
He emphasized that the government is activating necessary measures, including legal frameworks, to ensure all stakeholders in the disaster management ecosystem are equipped for their roles.
“Globally, disasters do not discriminate. The most vulnerable bear the greatest consequences, and we are working to ensure no one is left behind,” Anyaele said. He commended CCD for choosing Abia as a base for testing its initiatives and noted the state’s receptiveness to development interventions.
Mr. Godwin Unumeri, Acting Director of CCD, said the centre has been training policymakers and response organizations in the state for about two years, but this workshop marked its first initiative at the grassroots level.
He added, “The response from participants confirmed that many local government officers were previously unaware of how to include PWDs in disaster preparedness. The training was well planned and implemented, and participants have committed to cascading the knowledge within their organizations.”
The workshop featured presentations on topics including “Understanding Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Why it Matters” and “Roles of Local Government in Protecting PWDs during Emergencies.”
A participant, Susan Onuoha, Climate Change Desk Officer for Ohafia LGA, commended the organizers for the impactful training and pledged to ensure PWDs in her area are actively included in disaster management efforts.
