By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment to the swift passage of the Disability Bill aimed at improving the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Hon. Hyacinth Aôndona Dajoh, gave the assurance on Thursday during a roundtable discussion on the legislative process for the Disability Bill.
The event, organised by the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), brought together stakeholders to deliberate on accelerating the bill’s passage.
Represented by the Deputy Clerk of the House, Mr. David Ochapa, the speaker promised that the assembly would prioritise the bill to address the needs of PWDs in the state.
In her opening remarks, IFA Executive Director, Grace Jerry, emphasised the importance of passing the Disability Bill, describing it as a pivotal step toward inclusivity in Benue State.
Jerry said: “Today, we gather as partners in a shared mission to create an inclusive society where Persons with Disabilities are recognized, empowered, and protected under the law.
“We commend Governor Hyacinth Alia for initiating the domestication of the Disability Act and forwarding it to the State House of Assembly. However, the journey toward full inclusion does not end here. It begins with ensuring this bill is enacted and effectively implemented.
“Benue State is at a historic crossroads, being the last state in North Central Nigeria yet to domesticate the Disability Act. This roundtable offers an opportunity to make a decisive impact. By collaborating, legislators, government officials, PWD advocates, and other stakeholders, we can position Benue as a champion for inclusion and equality.”
Jerry called on participants to propose actionable solutions that would accelerate the legislative process, emphasising that collective efforts would secure a brighter future for PWDs.
In his address, the Personal Assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on People with Special Needs, Mr. Anshe Akura, highlighted the governor’s commitment to an inclusive government.
“The governor has prioritised issues affecting people with disabilities. Rehabilitation homes have been revamped, and even without the law in place, the governor has demonstrated his commitment by appointing a Special Adviser on Disability Matters. This reflects his dedication to ensuring inclusivity,” Akura stated.
He commended the State Assembly for its involvement in the roundtable and expressed confidence that the law would soon be enacted.
The event featured a panel discussion with lawmakers, including Hon. Daniel Gever (representing the Majority Leader, Hon. Saater Tiseer), Hon. Cephas Dyako, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Anyôr Mato of the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and Hon. Peter Uche, Chairman of the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals.
The panelists assured attendees that once the Disability Bill reaches the House of Assembly, it would receive swift attention, with the first and second readings conducted promptly.
In a vote of thanks, IFA Programme Manager, Mr. Stephen Idoko, expressed gratitude to participants for their commitment to the cause.
“We deeply appreciate your efforts thus far. IFA looks forward to continued engagement next year. We urge all stakeholders, including media practitioners, to sustain advocacy, particularly in remote areas, to ensure no one is left behind,” Idoko said.
The roundtable concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to fast-track the passage of the Disability Bill and to champion inclusivity in Benue State.
