The Taraba State House of Assembly has made significant progress in promoting inclusivity by advancing a bill that seeks to establish the Taraba State Persons with Disability Commission.
The bill, which passed its second reading on Thursday, represents a crucial step toward ensuring the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in the state.
If enacted, the commission will be tasked with overseeing various aspects of life for persons with disabilities, including their education, healthcare, and protection of their social, economic, and civil rights. The creation of such a body would provide a formal structure for addressing the unique challenges faced by this community and ensure that they are fully integrated into society.
Speaker of the House, John Kizito Bonzena, who presided over the debate, stressed the importance of the bill. He emphasized that the proposed commission is essential for fostering a more inclusive society where discrimination against people with disabilities is eliminated, and their contributions are recognized. He further reiterated that people with disabilities deserve equal opportunities as valued members of society.
During the session, Tafarki Agbadu Eneme, the representative for Kurmi Constituency, presented the bill’s summary. He noted that the bill’s primary aim is to improve service delivery and strengthen collaboration between service providers and persons with disabilities. This, he said, would enhance the quality of support available to them.
Members Josiah Yaro, representing Wukari One, and Veronica Alhassan, representing Bali One, also voiced their strong support for the bill. They highlighted the persistent discrimination faced by persons with disabilities and expressed optimism that establishing the commission would lead to meaningful improvements in their lives.