In an impassioned push for equality and inclusion, the Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) marked the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) with a renewed call for the enactment of a Disability Law in Benue State. The advocacy walk, which drew significant attention, highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state and the urgent need for legislative action.
The event, themed to amplify the voices of PWDs, culminated at the iconic Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Square in Makurdi. There, advocates, supporters, and PWDs gathered to discuss the critical importance of a legal framework that would protect the rights of PWDs, ensure access to opportunities, and promote inclusivity across all sectors of society.
Benue: A Lone State Without Disability Law
Speaking at the event, Avershima Akighir, the Executive Director of HAPI and a renowned disability rights advocate, expressed her disappointment that Benue State remains the only state in North Central Nigeria without a Disability Law. This legislative gap, she argued, has left thousands of PWDs in the state vulnerable to discrimination, exclusion, and neglect.
“Benue State is the only state in North Central Nigeria without a Disability Law,” Akighir lamented. “This glaring absence continues to hinder the social and economic inclusion of PWDs, leaving many of them marginalized in their own communities.”
Akighir emphasized that the enactment of a Disability Law would not only protect the rights of PWDs but also provide a pathway to equal opportunities in education, employment, and public services.
She urged the Benue State House of Assembly to expedite action on the Disability Bill already submitted by the Executive Arm, stressing that the time for lip service was over.
A Call for Unity Among PWDs
In a rallying cry to PWDs across the state, Akighir called for unity and collaboration in demanding the enactment of the Disability Law. “We must come together as one voice to push for our rights. This is not just a fight for today—it’s a fight for our future and for generations to come,” she said.
Government Assurances Amid Advocacy
Also addressing the crowd was Mr. Bem Anshe, the immediate past Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Special Needs.
Anshe commended HAPI for its relentless efforts in advocating for disability rights and assured participants that the Benue State Government was committed to passing the Disability Law.
“The government recognizes the importance of this legislation and is working towards ensuring its enactment,” he said. However, he acknowledged the delays and called for sustained advocacy to keep the issue on the legislative agenda.
Amplifying Voices, Demanding Action
The event was more than just a walk—it was a powerful demonstration of collective resolve. PWDs, clad in branded shirts and carrying placards with messages like “Equal Rights for All” and “Inclusion is a Right, Not a Privilege,” marched through the streets of Makurdi, drawing the attention of residents and stakeholders.
The walk underscored the resilience and determination of PWDs in Benue State, who refuse to be sidelined in the quest for equal rights.
One of the participants, a wheelchair user named Gloria, shared her frustrations. “Every day, we face barriers—physical, societal, and systemic. A Disability Law would remove many of these barriers and allow us to live with dignity,” she said.
Legislative Action: A Path to Inclusion
For many at the event, the message was clear: without a legal framework, the rights of PWDs will continue to be overlooked. The Disability Law, they argued, is not just about legislation—it’s about transforming society to be more inclusive and equitable.
“This law is a matter of urgency,” Akighir reiterated. “It will serve as a tool for PWDs to demand their rights and for the government to fulfill its obligations to its most vulnerable citizens.”
A Shared Responsibility
As the 2024 IDPD celebrations continue worldwide, the spotlight is firmly on Benue State to break its silence and act. Advocates have called on the government, civil society, and the general public to join hands in ensuring that the rights of PWDs are no longer ignored.
“Disability rights are human rights,” Anshe concluded. “We must all work together to create a society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.”
For now, the hope remains alive that Benue State will soon join the growing list of states in Nigeria that have taken bold steps to protect and promote the rights of Persons with Disabilities through robust legal frameworks. The rally may have ended, but the call for justice and inclusion continues to echo across the state.
