Makurdi, Benue State – October 26, 2024
In a critical step towards achieving legal protection for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Benue State, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) held a strategic meeting with the Director General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Mr. Aondoaseer Leonard-Angelo Viashima. The meeting, led by IFA’s Executive Director, Grace Jerry, was more than a routine engagement—it was a hands-on session focused on driving a solid framework for disability rights in the state.
The focus of the discussion was clear: accelerating the passage of the Benue State Disability Bill and ensuring PWDs are granted the legal protections necessary for equal participation in society. This initiative aligns with national and international goals, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which emphasizes the need for inclusive governance and human rights for all.
Strengthening Partnerships for Disability Inclusion
During the meeting, Mr. Viashima commended IFA for its tireless advocacy efforts and acknowledged the progress achieved so far through the collaborative relationship between BICD and IFA. He emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable legal framework, noting that such structures would guarantee the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities.
“We are committed to supporting the passage of the Disability Bill,” Viashima stated. “The partnership between BICD and IFA has been instrumental in recent initiatives, and we are determined to build on this momentum. The time has come for Benue State to embrace inclusive policies that will protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.”
Viashima further assured IFA that his office would provide the necessary structural support to facilitate the domestication of the disability law, signaling a new era of progress for disability rights advocacy in the state.
Mapping Out Stakeholders and Action Plans
The meeting wasn’t just a dialogue but a dynamic strategy session that yielded concrete action points. Both parties identified key stakeholders whose involvement will be critical in driving the legislative process forward. These stakeholders include government officials, lawmakers, civil society organizations, and traditional rulers, all of whom will play pivotal roles in ensuring the successful passage of the Disability Bill.
“We understand that meaningful change requires the involvement of all key players,” said Grace Jerry. “This is why we’re committed to building a coalition of partners and ensuring every stakeholder plays a role in making this legislation a reality. The rights of PWDs cannot be postponed any longer.”
The action plan outlined during the meeting includes sustained advocacy visits to the State House of Assembly, engagement with community leaders, and collaboration with other organizations working toward disability inclusion. Both IFA and BICD agreed on the importance of maintaining consistent pressure and collaboration to ensure the legislative process moves swiftly.
A Shared Vision for an Inclusive Future
At the heart of the meeting was a shared vision: to make Benue State a place where persons with disabilities can thrive without fear of exclusion or discrimination. Both IFA and BICD emphasized the need to foster an inclusive society where everyone—regardless of ability—has access to education, employment, healthcare, and public services.
Grace Jerry expressed optimism about the progress made and the renewed commitment from BICD. “We are incredibly encouraged by the support we’ve received from Mr. Viashima and his team,” she said. “Our partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal. We are not just advocating for the passage of a bill; we are fighting for a future where no one is left behind.”
Conclusion: A Roadmap to Inclusion
The meeting concluded with a strong resolve to continue working together toward a disability-inclusive Benue. Both IFA and BICD reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing this goal relentlessly, recognizing that the road ahead may be challenging but necessary.
With clear action plans in place and a network of stakeholders ready to engage, the campaign to pass the Benue State Disability Bill is gaining momentum. As the journey unfolds, the advocacy team remains focused on ensuring that this legal framework will transform the lives of PWDs in the state, granting them the rights and opportunities they deserve.
The collaboration between IFA and BICD marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to change narratives around disability in Nigeria. It is a powerful reminder that with strategic partnerships and unwavering advocacy, an inclusive future is not just possible—it is within reach.
“Together, we are creating a new path forward,” Jerry said. “This is more than just a bill; it is about building a state where everyone can belong and succeed.”
The path to a disability-inclusive Benue is clearer now than ever. One stakeholder at a time, one meeting at a time, the future of inclusion is being forged—and it promises to be a future where everyone matters.
