The Advocacy for Disability Act (ADAC) has hailed the recent public hearing on the proposed Gombe State Disability Protection Law and the establishment of the Gombe State Disability Commission as a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards inclusivity. The hearing, which attracted widespread participation from various stakeholders, marks a pivotal moment in the legislative process that aims to secure the rights and well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Gombe State.
ADAC, a powerful consortium composed of five Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), along with the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONPWD) Gombe State Chapter, Gombe State Network of Civil Society (GONET), and the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (ANGO), has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts leading to this critical juncture. The consortium’s tireless work has been instrumental in ensuring that the voices of PWDs are heard and that the proposed legislation reflects the needs and aspirations of this often marginalized community.
A Collaborative Effort for Inclusive Legislation
The five Civil Society Organizations under the ADAC umbrella include El-New Hope Foundation (Abia State), Global Youth Empowerment and Vulnerable Initiative (Adamawa State), Lawanti Development Community Foundation (Gombe State), Center for Peace Education and Community Development (Taraba State), and the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) based in Abuja. These organizations have combined their expertise and resources to advocate for a law that will not only protect the rights of PWDs but also create a framework for their full inclusion in all aspects of society.
Grace Jerry, ADAC Cluster Anchor and Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), emphasized the importance of the public hearing in the legislative process. In a statement released following the event, Jerry expressed optimism that the hearing would significantly contribute to shaping a law that is truly people-oriented, reflecting the diverse perspectives and needs of the Gombe State community.
“The recent public hearing on the Gombe State Disability Protection Law and the establishment of the Disability Commission is a historic moment for the disability community in Gombe State,” said Jerry. “This hearing represents a crucial step in ensuring that the final legislation will be comprehensive, inclusive, and reflective of the input from all stakeholders, particularly the PWDs who stand to benefit most from this law.”
Anticipation Builds for an Inclusive Gombe State
Jerry also highlighted the significance of Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya’s role in advancing the rights of PWDs in the state. She expressed hope that the Governor will continue to demonstrate his commitment to inclusivity by assenting to the bill as soon as it passes through the legislative process.
“We eagerly await the birth of an inclusive state as His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya, rewrites the story of Persons with Disabilities in Gombe State,” Jerry stated. “The Governor’s assent to this bill will not only mark a triumph for PWDs but will also set a precedent for other states to follow in the pursuit of inclusive governance.”
The proposed Gombe State Disability Protection Law and the establishment of the Disability Commission represent more than just legislative milestones; they are the culmination of years of advocacy, dialogue, and collaboration between the government, civil society, and the disability community. When enacted, this law will provide a legal framework to protect the rights of PWDs, ensure their access to essential services, and promote their full participation in economic, social, and political life.
A Call to Action for the Gombe State House of Assembly
In her statement, Jerry conveyed ADAC’s strong support for the Gombe State House of Assembly’s efforts to prioritize this crucial legislation. She also called on the Assembly to maintain its focus on inclusive, people-oriented legislative leadership, which has been a hallmark of the bill’s progress thus far.
“We join the over half a million Persons with Disabilities in Gombe State in applauding the Gombe State House of Assembly for their leadership and commitment to this vital cause,” Jerry said. “The ADAC celebrates the efforts of His Excellency and the Assembly towards the disability community, even in the absence of a formal Disability Law. Their actions speak volumes about their dedication to creating a society that values and includes all its members, regardless of their abilities.”
ADAC’s statement also underscored the importance of continuing the momentum that has been built around the Disability Protection Law. The coalition urged the State Assembly to push forward with the final stages of the legislative process, ensuring that the law is passed without delay and that the necessary mechanisms for its implementation are established swiftly.
“The coalition remains resolute in our commitment to providing the necessary support for the empowerment and realization of the dreams of our PWDs,” the statement continued. “We believe that the successful passage and implementation of this law will help harness the full potential of the disability community in Gombe State, leading to greater social and economic inclusion.”
A Vision for the Future
As Gombe State moves closer to enacting the Disability Protection Law, the focus will inevitably shift to the implementation phase. ADAC and its partner organizations are committed to working closely with the government to ensure that the law is not just a symbolic victory but a practical tool for change. This includes advocating for adequate funding for the Disability Commission, capacity building for its members, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the law achieves its intended outcomes.
For PWDs in Gombe State, the enactment of this law represents the promise of a better future—one in which they are no longer seen as passive recipients of charity, but as active participants in the development of their communities. The Disability Protection Law will provide the legal backing needed to challenge discrimination, access opportunities, and demand the rights that have been too long denied.
In conclusion, the recent public hearing on the Gombe State Disability Protection Law and the proposed establishment of the Disability Commission mark a significant step forward in the journey toward inclusivity in the state. ADAC’s commendation of the legislative process highlights the collaborative efforts that have brought the bill to this stage and underscores the importance of continued advocacy and leadership. As Gombe State stands on the brink of a new chapter in its history, the disability community and their allies remain vigilant, committed to seeing this journey through to its successful conclusion.
