By Amos Aar
A BILL seeking to establish the Disability Rights Agency as an institutional framework for addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) has passed its second reading at the Benue State House of Assembly.
Titled “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Benue State Disability Rights Agency and for Other Purposes Connected Therewith,” the proposed legislation was sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Saater Tiseer.
Leading the debate on the bill’s second reading, Tiseer explained that the establishment of the agency would enable the government to promote awareness of the rights, dignity, and capabilities of PWDs.
He added that the agency would ensure equal opportunities for them in education, employment, healthcare, marriage, and family life, among other areas.
In addition to the disability bill, the Maintenance of Widows Bill also passed its second reading during the plenary session.
Sponsored by Hon. Jiji Samuel, representing Logo state constituency, the bill seeks to provide financial and social support for widows of past traditional rulers in Benue State.
Following deliberations, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, referred the Disability Rights Agency Bill to the House Standing Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development for further legislative scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Maintenance of Widows Bill was directed to the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs for further examination.
