The Centre for Disability Rights, Empowerment and Development (CDRED) has praised Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for signing the Bayelsa State Disability Law, describing the development as a landmark achievement for disability rights, social justice, and inclusive development in the state.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa, the organisation said the Governor’s assent to the law marks the successful conclusion of years of advocacy and opens a new chapter of hope and inclusion for persons with disabilities across Bayelsa State.
CDRED commended Governor Diri for what it described as compassionate and inclusive leadership, noting that the enactment of the law demonstrates the administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. The organisation also applauded the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, particularly Speaker Abraham Ingobere, Hon. Monday Edwin Obolo, bill sponsor Hon. Daniel Charles, and Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba, for their support throughout the legislative process. It further acknowledged the role played by the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development in facilitating the passage of the legislation.
According to the organisation, the disability law is a collective achievement that deserves celebration by persons with disabilities, disability groups, and other stakeholders across the state. CDRED noted that it actively participated in the advocacy process leading to the law’s passage and remained engaged throughout both the legislative and executive stages, including being present when the bill was passed by the House of Assembly and later signed into law by the Governor.
As attention shifts to implementation, the organisation urged stakeholders to embrace unity, collaboration, and constructive engagement to ensure the law delivers meaningful benefits to persons with disabilities. It stressed that the focus should now be on building partnerships and advancing opportunities rather than dwelling on differences.
CDRED also reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Bayelsa State Government to support the effective implementation of the law, leveraging its expertise in disability rights advocacy, policy engagement, and inclusive development.
The organisation expressed confidence that the new law would improve access to opportunities, strengthen the protection of rights, promote inclusion, and enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities throughout Bayelsa State.
It concluded by emphasizing that while the passage and signing of the law represent significant milestones, the ultimate goal is to ensure that its provisions translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the people it was enacted to serve.
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