The joint National Association of persons with disabilities in the Niger Delta Region held a press conference regarding issues affecting the community and also addressed the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The press briefing was attended by the chairpersons of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (Jonapwd) from the 9 states that make up the region, including representatives from the Great Minds Foundation, coalitions, and other stakeholders.

The chairperson of the Delta State Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Comrade Ernest Igbuzor, presided over the press conference and sent a strong message to the management of the NDDC, citing different areas where the community of persons with disabilities has not been included in the numerous empowerment programs taking place in the region. Furthermore, persons with disabilities have been excluded from the 5% quota established for them, which has also been ignored.

The association’s spokesperson, Comrade Igbuzor, went on to call on the Managing Director of the NDDC to take necessary actions, or they would face a total shutdown from the community, as their rights have been overlooked for too long.

The Association of Persons with Disabilities in the Niger Delta Region has issued a 14 days ultimatum to the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to release all their due rights. Failure to do so will result in the mobilization of their members to shut down the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

We, the persons with disabilities in the Niger Delta Region, are at peace, and the previous committee, headed by Mr. Simon Bidei, has been dissolved, with a new committee being established.

The new committee is led by Barrister Chidubem Uzodinma Ekwelem, the chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in the Imo State chapter” added”