Ologbo Monarch Backs Disability Inclusion in Host Community Development

 

By Atlantic Reports

The Enogie of Ologbo, His Royal Highness Emma Iyase, has pledged to support the inclusion of persons with disabilities in host community development planning and benefits under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

Iyase made the commitment on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) during an advocacy visit supported by the Ford Foundation.

The traditional ruler said persons with disabilities should be involved in community decision-making and pledged to advocate for their inclusion in relevant development structures.

He scheduled a meeting for October 27 with stakeholders involved in implementing the host community provisions of the PIA and invited the advocacy group to participate.

The proposed meeting is intended to explore practical measures for including persons with disabilities in community structures, projects and benefits. It is a planned consultation, rather than confirmation that representation or access arrangements have already been established.

Representation Beyond Receiving Benefits

The delegation’s coordinator, Chief Bartholomew Okoudo, said the visit sought to ensure that persons with disabilities participated in the structures and programmes established under the host community development framework.

He called for adequate representation on host community development committees and consultation on projects affecting their lives.

The request places emphasis on participation in decisions, alongside access to the benefits those decisions produce.

Okoudo also advocated equitable access to empowerment programmes, skills development, employment opportunities and other host community initiatives.

He urged leaders to recognise persons with disabilities as contributors to community development and to consider their needs during planning.

The delegation included representatives of different disability groups. Okoudo also explained the advocacy roles of CCD and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).

October Meeting to Discuss Practical Steps

Iyase commended the delegation’s advocacy and pledged to support implementation of the PIA’s host community provisions for the benefit of all community members.

However, the account did not specify existing representation of persons with disabilities, the projects under consideration or how participants would be selected for development committees.

The October 27 meeting offers an opportunity to turn the pledge into clear arrangements for representation, accessible consultation and equitable participation in programmes.

For persons with disabilities in Ologbo, the measure of progress will be whether they can help shape development priorities and access the opportunities that follow.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.