In a significant stride towards inclusivity, the Delta State House of Assembly is set to host a Public Hearing on the Protection of Persons with Disability Bill on February 26, 2024. The eagerly anticipated event will take place at the Press Center, Delta State House of Assembly Complex, Okpanam road, Asaba, commencing at 10 AM.
The announcement was made by the dynamic Assembly Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Girl Child Entrepreneurship, and Humanitarian Support Services, along with the Special Committee on Bills. Chairing the former committee, Hon Bridget Anyafulu, emphasized the pivotal role of stakeholders in shaping this legislation, calling upon interested individuals, organizations, and the public at large to actively participate in the process.
Hon Anyafulu, representing Oshimili South Constituency, highlighted the importance of input from various sectors, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach. The committee had previously solicited written contributions from organizations such as the Delta State Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services, Girl Child Development, Housing, as well as the Directorate of Establishment and Pensions, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and non-governmental organizations.
To encourage engagement, the Assembly urged those who have not submitted memoranda to bring their contributions to the public hearing. All memoranda, to be submitted in twenty copies, should be sealed in envelopes marked “Delta State Protection of Persons with Disability Bill” and forwarded to the Committee before the scheduled date.
Hon Anyafulu elaborated on the meticulous process, stating that the joint committee would convene to scrutinize and discuss the inputs from various stakeholders before presenting its comprehensive report at plenary. This commitment to thorough consideration underscores the Assembly’s dedication to crafting a robust legislative framework for the protection of persons with disabilities.
The genesis of this legislative journey dates back to the Assembly’s sitting on January 24, 2024, when the Delta State Protection of Persons with Disability Bill passed its second reading. This pivotal moment occurred under the astute leadership of the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, setting the stage for the bill’s comprehensive examination by the joint committee.
In essence, the upcoming public hearing serves as a beacon of democratic engagement, inviting citizens to actively participate in shaping legislation that will impact the lives of persons with disabilities in Delta State. The Assembly’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness is evident in its outreach efforts and collaborative approach, marking a commendable stride towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
