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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, Benue State Chapter, has expressed profound gratitude to the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia for signing the Disability Act into law.
Chairman of the association, Mr. Onah Adeyi gave this appreciation while briefing newsmen in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
Adenyi described the signing of the law as a historic achievement and testament to the Governor Alia’s unwavering commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.
The Chairman commended the Governor for raising the executive bill, and the House of Assembly for its quick passage and followed by the Governor’s prompt assent, “which demonstrated his dedication to inclusivity and social justice.”
He therefore called on the Governor to further domesticate the law by establishing Disability Commission in the state where those living with disability will be called upon to preside over issues concerning them.
JONAPWD chairman lauded the resilience and determination of the “over 800,000 persons with disabilities in Benue State who will benefit from this landmark legislation.”
He also lauded Governor Alia for ensuring that persons with disabilities now have their voice in the scheme of things in the State adding that “this event has put Benue State on the positive map among states that have domesticated the disability law in the country.
“We are proud to announce that going forward the people of Benue State have taken a remarkable step in the annals of disabilities inclusion in Nigeria. As we celebrate this milestone, we commit to working closely with the governor’s administration to ensure the effective implementation of the Disability Act.
“We look forward to collaborating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote the rights and welfare of persons
with disabilities in Benue State.
“We also urged the Governor to further take a bold step by establishing a Disability Commission in the state where credible individuals will propel activities and issues of persons with disabilities in the state. It is when that is done that we can say we have a place where we can take our aspirations and activities to.
“We are not asking for handouts. We don’t want pity or sympathy. We are only asking for an enabling environment to be created so we can operate and contribute meaningfully to the development of the society.”
The JONAPWD Chairman thanked all groups, organizations and individuals who played key roles to have the law in place including Hope Alive Possibility Initiatives, Inclusive Friends Association and Onah Adeyi International Disability Centre.
He also appreciated the Director General, Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, (BICD), Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima and Aza Gbagyo Foundation, media partners among others describing them as worthy friends and partners of JONAPWD.
Adeyi assured the governor of continued support of PWDs in he state saying the over 800,000 in the state, 500,000 are card carrying members of the society and by 2027, we would now determine who governs us because our votes counts.”
The Executive Director, Aza Gbagyo Foundation, Barr Joseph Gbagyo, stated that it is very fulfilling to do good for others as posterity would always remember. He pledged commitment to continue to do his bit to impact on humanity especially the vulnerable populations in the society, not out of pity but for the good of humanity.
