Jalingo, Taraba – The Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Taraba State Chapter, has called for urgent action from the Taraba State House of Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Taraba State Disability Commission Bill, which is poised to bring transformative change for persons with disabilities in the state.
In a passionate open letter addressed to the Honourable Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, the Association’s Chairman, Comrade Wanderimam Tenyang, praised the progress made thus far but urged the lawmakers to swiftly complete the legislative process.
According to Inclusive News Network (INN), the Disability Commission Bill successfully passed its second reading in October 2024 at the Taraba State Assembly, marking a major step forward for disability rights in the state. However, the Association emphasized the need for the Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill into law to ensure that persons with disabilities in Taraba can begin to benefit from the much-needed reforms.
“The passage of this bill will mark a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and social justice for persons with disabilities in Taraba State,” Tenyang stated. His words reflect the hopes of thousands of people with disabilities across the state who are eagerly awaiting the establishment of the Taraba State Disability Commission.
A Call for Change
Comrade Tenyang’s letter to the Speaker highlighted the dire conditions faced by persons with disabilities in Taraba. He painted a sobering picture of the struggles that many individuals with disabilities endure daily, with unemployment and poverty often forcing them to resort to begging on the streets, in places of worship, and in offices.
“Persons with disabilities in Taraba State face significant challenges. Many are unemployed and are left with no choice but to beg for survival in streets, churches, mosques, and offices. This is not just a social issue; it is a human rights issue,” Tenyang lamented.
He emphasized that the Taraba State Disability Commission would serve as a crucial body to address these challenges. The proposed commission would focus on safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring their integration into society, and tackling critical issues such as accessibility, education, and employment.
“The Disability Commission will create much-needed employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and tackle the lack of accessibility that persons with disabilities face in many public and private spaces,” Tenyang explained. “Most importantly, it will work to ensure that people with disabilities are no longer marginalized but instead are empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.”
A Vision for Inclusivity and Economic Growth
The proposed commission’s potential to transform the lives of persons with disabilities goes beyond simply improving their quality of life. Tenyang stressed that the bill’s passage would have a far-reaching impact on the state’s overall development. Empowering persons with disabilities by giving them access to education, healthcare, and employment would not only uplift individuals but also contribute to the broader economic and social growth of Taraba State.
“This is not just about helping people with disabilities; it is about the collective progress of Taraba State,” he said. “When persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to contribute to the workforce and participate fully in society, everyone benefits. The state benefits, the economy benefits, and the community benefits.”
Tenyang called on the members of the Taraba State House of Assembly to prioritize the passage of the bill, urging them to act swiftly and decisively to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. The time for action is now,” he said. “The passage of this bill will set Taraba State on a path toward true inclusivity and social justice.”
Support and Collaboration
The letter concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the Taraba State House of Assembly, the government, and other stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the private sector. The Nigeria Association of the Blind expressed hope that the state’s lawmakers would work together to make the bill a law, ensuring that persons with disabilities receive the support and opportunities they deserve.
“The Disability Commission is not just a legal framework; it is a commitment to the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities,” Tenyang stated. “It is a promise that the state will no longer turn a blind eye to the struggles of persons with disabilities, but instead will take action to address these challenges.”
As the Taraba State House of Assembly continues to deliberate on the bill, the hope of the disability community rests on the commitment of the legislators to finalize the legislative process and pass the bill into law. The bill’s successful passage would be a major victory not only for persons with disabilities in Taraba but for the state as a whole, marking a step toward a more inclusive, just, and progressive society.
A Milestone in Disability Rights
For the people of Taraba State, the Disability Commission Bill represents more than just a piece of legislation; it symbolizes the recognition of the rights and potential of persons with disabilities. If passed, it will pave the way for greater inclusion, equal opportunities, and a society that values the contributions of all its citizens, regardless of their physical abilities.
The clock is ticking for the Taraba State Assembly to take the next step in making this vision a reality. As they move forward in their deliberations, the voices of the Nigeria Association of the Blind and other disability advocates will continue to call for action, urging the Assembly to pass the Taraba State Disability Commission Bill into law without delay. The future of thousands of individuals with disabilities in the state hangs in the balance, and the time to act is now.