Makurdi — The Executive Director of Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI), Ms. Aver Akighir, has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Benue State to support the passage of the proposed Benue Disability Law. She urged stakeholders to recognize Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as equal citizens deserving of legal protection and inclusion.
Ms. Akighir made the appeal during a stakeholders’ forum organized by HAPI to foster institutional backing for disability inclusion and the disability bill, which has already passed its second reading at the Benue State House of Assembly. She noted that Benue remains the only state in North Central Nigeria yet to enact a disability law, describing the delay as a gap that must be urgently addressed.
“Benue State must ensure its vulnerable citizens are protected. PWDs deserve to feel wanted and have a sense of belonging. I urge you all to champion disability inclusion within your agencies and communities,” Akighir stated.
Providing an overview of the proposed legislation, Barr. Ori Onum, Programme Officer at the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), said the bill proposes a minimum 5% employment quota for PWDs, guarantees free inclusive education up to the secondary level, and seeks to establish a Disability Rights Commission. The bill also outlines penalties for discrimination, ensures accessibility to public infrastructure, and promotes economic empowerment and equal rights for PWDs.
Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, Director General of BICD, emphasized the importance of unity among disability groups, recommending a coordinated structure to amplify their collective voice. He commended HAPI for convening the forum and pledged technical support, capacity building, and training to empower the disability community.
Dr. Viashima also revealed that all Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed by BICD with development partners now include disability-related clauses on inclusive employment, infrastructure, and service delivery.
Mr. Benjamin Yager, who represented the Director General of the Benue State Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office, reinforced the need for inclusive policies across MDAs. He stressed that disability inclusion is a right, not a privilege, and advised that the legislation should align with global standards to avoid the need for early amendments.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Alexander Mbakindev, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Rehabilitation Board (BSRB), thanked HAPI for its sustained advocacy and highlighted the ongoing challenges facing PWDs due to limited social welfare and legal safeguards.
Meanwhile, Hon. Bem Anshe, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Special Needs, emphasized Governor Hyacinth Alia’s commitment to the bill, citing the swift executive endorsement and rapid legislative progress through its first and second readings. He called for unity among PWD clusters to ensure the bill’s successful passage.
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Together we can redefine what possible in the community of people with disability in the state, because already we have a listining Governor that really want to do the needful.