By Amos Aar
THE INCLUSIVE Friends Association (IFA) has asked the Benue State Government to integrate the Disability Act into the fabric of the state’s legislative and social framework so as to champion the cause of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
IFA’s Executive Director, Grace Jerry, made the request at a one-day workshop themed: “Advocacy Strategy to Activate Disability Rights Legal Framework in Benue” held on Thursday in Makurdi, Benue State capital.
Represented by IFA Director of Programmes, Joshua Ardo, the Executive Director called for collective action and determination towards achieving their aim.
While reflecting on the recent impact of IFA, Grace said the association has established a disability commission in Abia State and has inspired similar initiatives in other states like Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba, expressing optimism that “Benue State, with its unique strengths and characteristics, has the opportunity to become a trailblazer in the advancement of disability rights”.
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Sensitising participants on civic advocacy, legislative engagement and political inclusion, an independent consultant, Safiya Bichi, who is the Head of Knowledge Management and Learning at Yiaga Africa, explained that disability law is already operational at the national level hence the need for its replication at the state level.
She urged advocates of the Disability Bill to study the needs of the PWDs to be able to make case for them using appropriate strategies.
On his part, Mr Stephen Idoko, the Programme Manager of IFA who spoke on “The Urgency of Now! Why Benue? State of PWDs and Status of the domestication of the Disability Bill in Nigeria”, encouraged participants to draw inspiration from the achievements recorded by IFA and recognise the potential impact their collective efforts can have on shaping inclusive policies.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disability (JONAPWD), Mr Ben Anshe, solicited partnership and cooperation for the success of the initiative.
