Workers living with disabilities in the Imo State Civil Service have applauded Governor Hope Uzodimma for signing the Imo State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law, 2024, describing the move as a landmark step towards protecting their rights and improving their welfare.
The commendation was contained in a letter of appreciation dated July 1, 2026, issued by the Disabled Workers Welfare Association, Owerri, Imo State, and addressed to the governor through the Government House in Owerri.
In the letter, the association said the governor’s decision to assent to the law demonstrated his commitment to promoting inclusion and addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the state.
The workers expressed gratitude for what they described as the governor’s “benevolent gestures and milk of human kindness” towards the welfare of disabled workers and the wider disability community.
The association stated that one of the major gains from the law is the extension of the retirement age for workers with disabilities from 60 years or 35 years of service to 40 years of service, noting that the provision restores years lost during rehabilitation caused by disability.
According to the letter, the legislation is officially known as the Imo State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law, 2024 (Law No. 12 of 2024).
“With high sense of humility and utmost respect, we the entire workers with Disabilities in the Civil/Public Service of Imo State wishes to express our profound gratitude to your Excellency for your benevolent gestures and milk of human kindness towards the upliftment and welfare of Imo Disabled workers in particular and Disabled Community in general,” the association wrote.
It added, “Recently, Your Excellency, history was made as you graciously assented into Law the Imo State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law, 2024 (Law No. 12 of 2024) with the extension of retirement age from 60 years/35 years of service to 40 years for Persons with Disabilities Workers which restored years lost due to disability rehabilitation.”
The association said the governor’s action reflected compassion for vulnerable members of society and pledged continued support for the administration’s development agenda.
“This single act demonstrated your positive emotions and love for the less privileged bracket and we cannot take it for granted.”
“Hence, we shall continue to contribute to the task of nation building as well as productively within the 3R Mantra and the Shared Prosperity Agenda of this present administration,” the letter stated.
The workers also prayed for continued wisdom and strength for Uzodimma in leading the state.
“We shall forever remain grateful and may God continue to bless, prosper and enable you with uncommon wisdom to lead Imo beyond the next level,” the association added.
The letter was signed by Austin Okoro, chairman of the association, and Iyke Ibe, secretary-general.