The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Tuesday held a one – day voter education and sensitization for visually impaired persons ahead of the November 6 election in Awka, Anambra State.
The event was organized by the commission to guide visually impaired persons on voting procedures, INEC policy framework on election day activities and other factors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Present at the event were top INEC officials, visually impaired persons, and representatives from the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, among others was aimed at achieving inclusive governorship election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anambra State, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, who was represented by the Head, Department of Voter Education and Publicity, INEC Anambra State, Mr. Samuel Nimen emphasized that the goal of the commission is to provide opportunity for all, encouraging everyone to participate in the election.
ALSO READ: Okeke’s Defection: APC Has No Roots in Anambra, Says APGA
The commission therefore noted that visually impaired persons are relevant and have a right to be part of the voting process, a reason for the plans being made to make the process easier.
Also, the Assistant Director, INEC, Mrs. Akayar Hambadoin, represented by the Head, Disability Unit, Gender and Inclusivity Department INEC, Abuja, Mrs. Benny Oguejiofor said the sensitization would help educate the visually impaired on the safe way to mark a ballot paper, understand the ballot practical demonstration, and advised them to do away with self-doubt.
The Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, Anambra State chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, while addressing the attendees, thanked INEC officials for having the interest of persons with disabilities at heart, assuring that they will extend all they learned to other members.
