ENUGU, NIGERIA — The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate for Enugu State, Ocho Obodoeze Chukwuma, has unveiled his “Ability First Policy,” a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in government programmes and development initiatives across the state.
The policy, contained in his manifesto titled “The Foundation of Redefined Governance,” was highlighted following Ocho’s recent engagement with persons with disabilities in the state. According to the ADC candidate, the vision is to recognise ability rather than disability and to ensure that no citizen is excluded from accessing opportunities or participating fully in society because of a physical disability.
The manifesto provides for at least five per cent representation and participation for persons with disabilities in government employment opportunities, business grants, skills development programmes, empowerment initiatives, and other government intervention programmes, subject to applicable laws and merit-based requirements.
“The Ability First Policy is not about charity; it is about justice and equity. Persons with disabilities have talents, skills, and aspirations just like every other citizen. They deserve a fair chance to contribute to the development of our state and to benefit from its resources,” Ocho stated during the engagement.
The policy also provides for accessibility standards in public buildings and considers the needs of persons with disabilities in roads, transport, public services, education, healthcare, and community development projects. Ocho said his administration would work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that public infrastructure is designed and built to accommodate the needs of all citizens, including those with mobility challenges.
“Accessibility is not a privilege; it is a right. We will ensure that our roads, buildings, and public services are accessible to everyone. We will also work with the private sector to promote inclusive practices in employment and service delivery,” he said.
Ocho’s engagement with persons with disabilities was part of his broader consultation with various stakeholder groups across Enugu State ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The ADC candidate has been meeting with community leaders, professional bodies, youth groups, women’s organisations, and other stakeholders to listen to their concerns and to incorporate their input into his policy agenda.
The Ability First Policy has been welcomed by disability rights advocates in Enugu State, who described it as a significant step toward inclusive governance. The President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Enugu State said the policy would address the longstanding marginalisation of persons with disabilities and ensure that they are integrated into the mainstream of society.
“We commend Ocho for this initiative. For too long, persons with disabilities have been neglected and excluded from government programmes. This policy is a ray of hope for our community. We urge other candidates to follow suit,” the association’s president said.
Ocho reiterated his commitment to running an inclusive government that leaves no one behind. He said his administration would prioritise the needs of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, women, youth, and the elderly.
“This is part of my vision for an inclusive Enugu State. We will not leave anyone behind. Every citizen, regardless of their physical condition, deserves a fair chance to succeed and to contribute to the growth and development of our state,” he said.
The ADC candidate urged the people of Enugu State to support his candidacy in the 2027 governorship election, promising to deliver good governance and to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every community and every citizen. “Vote ADC. Vote Obodoeze Ocho Chukwuma for Governor of Enugu State,” he said.
