In a move that has energized disability advocates across Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has promised to fast-track the passage of the long-pending disability bill currently before the Benue State House of Assembly. The governor’s commitment was conveyed through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Deaconess Deborah Aber, during an advocacy visit by the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) on Thursday in Makurdi.
Governor Alia’s administration, Deaconess Aber assured, is determined to ensure that the welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) is prioritized and protected under the new government. “The welfare of people with disabilities will not be trampled upon,” she emphasized, adding that quick passage of the disability bill for its eventual domestication is a top priority.
A Commitment to Inclusive Governance
The SSG highlighted Governor Alia’s efforts to establish a government that actively promotes inclusion, evidenced by the appointment of a Special Assistant on Disability Matters and a Sign Language Interpreter. These roles, she explained, are intended to ensure that all voices—including those of PWDs—are represented in the administration’s decision-making process.
“This administration is intentional in making sure that people with disabilities have a voice in Benue State,” Deaconess Aber stated. She praised the Inclusive Friends Association for its persistent advocacy and urged patience, assuring the group that better opportunities are on the horizon for PWDs.
A Shift from the Past
During the meeting, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, Mr. Bem Anshe, expressed optimism about the new administration’s focus on disability issues. He lamented that previous administrations had demonstrated a “lukewarm attitude” toward advancing the interests of persons with disabilities in the state.
However, Anshe highlighted that the advocacy by the SSG and the commitment shown by Governor Alia represent a turning point. “This administration is listening, and they are taking steps to prioritize our welfare,” he said. “The advocacy for the disability bill is being pushed forward, and we are confident it will yield results soon.”
Benue: The Only North Central State Yet to Pass Disability Legislation
The Executive Director of the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Miss Grace Jerry, provided critical context to the meeting, noting that Benue is the only state in North Central Nigeria yet to domesticate the disability bill.
Jerry explained that the bill has been pending before the State House of Assembly for some time and urged the Secretary to the State Government to raise the matter at the State Executive Council Meeting to facilitate swift action. “We are counting on the leadership of this administration to move this bill forward. It’s time for Benue State to join others in passing disability legislation that guarantees equal opportunities for all,” she said.
Call for the Establishment of a Benue Disability Commission
As part of its advocacy efforts, the IFA delegation also visited the Director General of the Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Prof. Jerome Andohol, where they stressed the need for the establishment of a Disability Commission in the state. Jerry highlighted that such a commission would play a critical role in addressing the health, education, and social needs of PWDs.
“The Disability Commission will serve as a vital institution for ensuring that the rights of people with disabilities are not just recognized but actively protected and promoted,” Jerry explained. She emphasized that with the commission in place, the state could better coordinate policies and programs to meet the needs of PWDs and close existing gaps in service delivery.
Momentum Builds for Disability Inclusion in Benue State
The series of advocacy meetings has rekindled hope among disability advocates in Benue State, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the Alia administration will take decisive action to pass the disability bill and implement inclusive policies.
“The disability bill will be a game-changer,” said Mr. Anshe. “It will not only provide legal protection for persons with disabilities but also create an enabling environment where we can contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.”
Governor Alia’s Pledge Sparks Optimism
With Governor Alia’s pledge to expedite the disability bill, disability advocates are hopeful that Benue will soon align with national and global standards for disability inclusion. The expected legislation will mark a turning point, offering new opportunities for PWDs in education, employment, healthcare, and public participation.
The IFA’s efforts, alongside the governor’s renewed commitment, have set the stage for transformational change in Benue State. Stakeholders now eagerly await concrete steps toward the bill’s passage and the establishment of a Disability Commission.
“We are ready to work hand-in-hand with the government to make this dream a reality,” said Jerry. “The future is looking bright for persons with disabilities in Benue State.”
As the disability community and their allies look to the future with cautious optimism, all eyes remain on the State House of Assembly and the governor’s office to see the disability bill through to its final stage: assent and domestication.
