By Alumona Ukwueze

NSUKKA — A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Community Life Project (CLP), has urged People With Disabilities (PWDs) to rise above negative stereotypes and actively defend their rights.

CLP’s Programme Manager, Celine Osukwu, made this call on Tuesday in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State during a two-day training session aimed at empowering PWDs. She identified ignorance of rights as a major obstacle to achieving personal and collective goals.

According to Osukwu, the training was designed to educate PWDs on existing laws that protect their rights and provide them with advocacy tools to address their challenges both individually and collectively.

Speaking on the theme, “Understanding Our Rights as PWDs and How to Protect Ourselves from Gender-Based Violence,” Osukwu encouraged participants to form networks that would help them access their rights from government and within their communities.

In his remarks, CLP’s Enugu State Coordinator, Prof. Simon Eze, emphasized the importance of fairness and equality for all individuals.

“CLP stands for fairness and inclusivity. No one should be denied their rights or discriminated against because we are all equal before God,” he said.

Prof. Eze expressed satisfaction with the participants’ responses, noting that PWDs in Nsukka now understand their rights and are more equipped to assert them.

“Now, they will have the confidence and strength to challenge anyone who tries to trample on their rights and privileges,” he added.

He further called on governments at all levels to implement the Disability Act, which was signed into law in 2018, to remove systemic barriers faced by PWDs.

Philomena Ukwueze, a master’s degree student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who is living with a disability, shared her personal journey to illustrate that “disability does not mean inability.”

Currently pursuing a degree in Mental and Emotional Health Care, Ukwueze revealed that she produces and sells various household products, including bathing soap, laundry soap, detergent, disinfectant, perfume, and air freshener. She noted that she runs her business under a registered company with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

“Beyond production, I also train individuals and groups on how to make these products,” she said.

As a specialist in mental and emotional health care, Ukwueze also provides counseling, particularly to young people facing life challenges.

“I shared my journey with participants to inspire them—if I have been able to achieve my goals despite my disability, they too can succeed through self-acceptance and determination,” she added.

Paul Eze, President of the Physically Challenged People in Nsukka, commended CLP for organizing the training, highlighting its impact.

“We, the physically challenged individuals in Obukpa, deeply appreciate CLP for bringing this essential training to our community. It has helped us rediscover our potential and recognize our self-worth,” he said.

He described the training as an “eye-opener and morale booster,” which has provided valuable knowledge on their rights and ways to protect themselves against gender-based violence.

Eze, who is visually impaired, also urged the Enugu State government to implement the 2018 Disability Act, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Similarly, another participant, Chidozie Obi, described the training as insightful and empowering.

“This two-day programme has equipped us with valuable knowledge, teaching us how to overcome fear and challenges while fostering resilience and a positive mindset among PWDs,” Obi remarked.

He praised CLP’s resource persons for their engaging approach, adding, “Their insights have inspired us to tackle daily challenges with confidence and embrace a fulfilling, independent life.”