Makurdi, Benue State – October 26, 2024
Efforts to fast-track the enactment of a disability law in Benue State have received a major boost following an advocacy visit to Hon. Solomon Iorpev, the Technical Advisor to the Governor of Benue on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communications.
The visit, led by the Executive Director of Hope Alive Possibilities Initiative (HAPI), Ms. Aver Akighir, was a significant step in the journey toward ensuring the domestication of the Benue State Disability Bill. The bill seeks to safeguard the rights of more than 921,195 persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the state by providing them with legal protections and creating a framework for inclusive governance and access to essential services.
A Push for Inclusion and Legal Rights
During the interactive engagement, the HAPI advocacy team presented a comprehensive overview of the current state of affairs surrounding the disability bill. The team stressed the urgent need for its domestication, noting that without proper legislation, thousands of persons with disabilities in the state remain vulnerable to systemic neglect, exclusion, and discrimination. The discussion further highlighted the importance of enacting the law to align Benue State with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Nigeria’s Disability Act.
“Benue has over 921,195 persons with disabilities, each of whom deserves equal rights and access to opportunities,” Ms. Akighir stated. “The disability bill is not just about legal frameworks; it is about ensuring that no one is left behind in the development agenda of the state. We need legislation that guarantees education, employment, healthcare, and accessibility for all PWDs.”
Governor’s Office Pledges Support
In his response, Hon. Solomon Iorpev commended the HAPI team for their relentless advocacy, emphasizing that the statistics presented were valuable in underscoring the importance of the disability bill. He expressed the government’s commitment to human rights, inclusion, and social protection for all citizens, regardless of physical ability.
“The data you’ve shared is crucial,” Iorpev said. “It reinforces the need for this administration to act swiftly on the disability bill. The Governor is keen on addressing human rights issues and ensuring that no one is left behind in his developmental agenda. The rights of persons with disabilities are a top priority, and we will do all it takes to support your cause.”
Hon. Iorpev assured the team of his unwavering support for the disability community and promised to work with the advocacy group to ensure positive media representation of persons with disabilities. “We will use our media platforms strategically to change perceptions and promote inclusion,” he added.
Securing Key Stakeholder Commitment
The engagement was not only successful in raising awareness but also in securing a firm commitment from the Governor’s Technical Advisor. Hon. Iorpev pledged to collaborate with HAPI and other stakeholders to push for the bill’s passage, leveraging his role in media and communications to amplify the advocacy efforts.
Ms. Akighir expressed her gratitude for the positive response from the governor’s office, noting that this partnership marks a significant milestone toward achieving disability-inclusive governance in Benue State.
“Our goal is to keep changing the narrative, one stakeholder at a time,” she said. “Today, we’ve taken a major step forward. With Hon. Iorpev’s support, we are more hopeful than ever that Benue State will soon have a law that protects and promotes the rights of PWDs.”
Towards a Disability-Inclusive Benue
The domestication of the disability law is part of a broader effort to transform Benue into an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are not only recognized but also empowered to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development. Advocates argue that such legislation will ensure that PWDs have equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and public infrastructure, creating a society where every citizen can thrive.
As the campaign for the bill gains traction, the HAPI team remains committed to engaging more stakeholders and building momentum across the state. “We will continue to advocate and push until the disability law is a reality,” Ms. Akighir affirmed.
The meeting with Hon. Iorpev is expected to pave the way for further engagements with other key actors, including lawmakers, government officials, and civil society organizations, ensuring that the disability community is adequately represented in all decision-making processes.
With growing support from influential stakeholders and the promise of legislative action, the dream of a disability-inclusive Benue is becoming more tangible. The advocacy team remains optimistic that the combined efforts of civil society and the government will soon result in the passage of a law that guarantees the protection and inclusion of every person with a disability in the state.
Conclusion
The push for the domestication of the disability bill in Benue State represents more than just policy reform—it is a movement toward justice, equality, and inclusion. With each stakeholder engagement, advocates are reshaping the narrative around disability and reinforcing the message that Benue State is for everyone—without exceptions.
The journey toward an inclusive future continues, one conversation at a time.
