YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Bayelsa State Chapter, has staged an appreciation walk in honour of Governor Douye Diri and his administration for what the association described as significant strides in disability inclusion, political participation and social empowerment across the state.
The colourful procession, led by the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Hon. Ekpomokumor Mayor, brought together hundreds of persons with disabilities, advocates and community members who marched through Yenagoa before arriving at the Government House, where they were received by the governor.
Speaking during the event, Mayor commended Governor Diri for implementing policies and programmes aimed at promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. He particularly highlighted the state’s implementation of the Disability Rights Act, describing it as a major step towards strengthening protection against discrimination and promoting equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
He also praised the administration for its political inclusion of persons with disabilities, noting the appointment of more than 50 Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants from the disability community. According to him, the appointments have provided persons with disabilities with greater opportunities to participate directly in governance and contribute to the development of the state.
“Governor Douye Diri has proven himself to be the most disability-friendly governor in Nigeria. His administration’s deliberate advocacy and tangible actions have given persons with disabilities a genuine seat at the table of governance,” Mayor said.
As part of the appreciation, the JONAPWD leadership presented Governor Diri with an Award of Appreciation in recognition of his commitment to humanitarian values, disability inclusion and inclusive governance.
Receiving the delegation at the Government House, Governor Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen of Bayelsa State is left behind, irrespective of disability or physical condition.
The appreciation walk, according to the association, was organised to recognise the administration’s efforts while encouraging continued collaboration between government and the disability community towards achieving a more inclusive and equitable Bayelsa State.
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