Benue State took a significant step forward in the fight for disability rights as Hope Alive For Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) spearheaded a critical advocacy visit and strategic dialogue to press for the domestication of the Disability Act within the state. The high-stakes meeting, held on Wednesday, brought together key stakeholders, including the Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, to rally support for the passage of the much-anticipated disability bill.
The Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Itodo, hosted the delegation, which included members from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Benue State Chapter, the Personal Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Special Needs, Mr. Bemshima Anshe, and Barrister Sunday Sabeh. Mrs. Itodo warmly welcomed the group, expressing her strong commitment to advancing the cause.
“The enactment of a disability law in Benue State is long overdue,” Mrs. Itodo remarked during the meeting. “I am fully committed to this cause and will ensure that the necessary actions are taken to see this bill through to law. I will reach out to the appropriate channels and apply the necessary pressure to make this happen.”
The strategic dialogue served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss the importance of the disability bill, highlight the urgency of its domestication, and explore potential partnerships to advance the legislative process. HAPI’s delegation emphasized the critical need for a legal framework that protects and promotes the rights of persons with disabilities in Benue State, aligning with national and international standards.
Mr. Bemshima Anshe, the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Special Needs, also underscored the state government’s willingness to collaborate with all relevant parties to ensure that the disability law becomes a reality in Benue. He acknowledged the pivotal role of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in driving this legislative agenda.
Barrister Sunday Sabeh and other members of the JONAPWD Benue State Chapter echoed the commissioner’s sentiments, expressing optimism that the bill would soon be enacted into law. They highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the absence of a protective legal framework and called for swift legislative action.
The advocacy efforts in Benue State are part of a broader campaign funded by the Disability Rights Fund – Nigeria, aimed at ensuring that all states in the country enact and implement disability-specific laws. With renewed commitment from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the prospects for passing the disability law in Benue State have never been brighter.
As the strategic dialogue concluded, there was a palpable sense of hope and determination among the participants. The push for the domestication of the Disability Act in Benue State is now gaining momentum, with stakeholders poised to take decisive steps to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are recognized, respected, and protected under the law.
