The Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission (NSDRC) has received members of the Nasarawa State Association of the Deaf, assuring them of the continued support of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule toward the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the state.
The delegation was received on Tuesday at the Commission’s office in Lafia by the Executive Chairman of NSDRC, Hon. Saleh Barde Keana.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Association of the Deaf, Mr. Kelly Emmanuel Dogo, commended Hon. Barde Keana for his exemplary leadership and sustained advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities. He also praised Governor Sule, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most disability-friendly governors.
Mr. Dogo outlined several requests on behalf of the association, including the restoration of their office space within the Commission, an increase in their monthly subvention from ₦100,000 to ₦300,000, support for their forthcoming Annual General Meeting, vocational training opportunities for deaf persons, provision of palliatives during festive periods, assistance for pilgrimage activities (Hajj and Jerusalem), and the creation of employment opportunities for deaf members.
Responding, Hon. Barde Keana clarified that the Commission does not have the authority to increase the monthly subvention, noting that such a decision rests solely with the Governor and must apply uniformly across all clusters under the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).
On the other requests, the NSDRC Chairman disclosed that formal memos had already been forwarded to the Governor and expressed optimism that they would receive favourable consideration, given Governor Sule’s track record of supporting persons with disabilities.
He described Governor Sule as a lover of peace and unity and urged members of the association to embrace harmony and mutual understanding, stressing that peace within disability groups would further encourage the Governor to approve pending requests.
Barde Keana also reiterated the Commission’s commitment to maintaining order, warning that disciplinary measures would be taken against any member or group found disrupting peace in the state.
The meeting was attended by permanent members of the Commission as well as officials of the Nasarawa State Association of the Deaf.
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