Makurdi, Benue State – In a significant stride towards advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in Benue State, the Hope and Advocacy Project Initiative (HAPI), a leading advocacy organization, spearheaded a crucial dialogue today with the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). The meeting, aimed at accelerating the domestication of disability rights legislation, marked a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure inclusivity and equal rights for all its citizens.
The high-level dialogue was a concerted effort by HAPI, which was accompanied by a group of rights holders and key stakeholders, to engage the state government in a discussion that could transform the lives of persons with disabilities across Benue. The meeting took place at the Government House in Makurdi, where Hon. Sam Yuwa, the Special Advisor to the Governor on Policy Coordination and Implementation, represented the SSG.
During the meeting, Hon. Yuwa conveyed the SSG’s deep commitment to the cause, confirming that the much-anticipated disability bill is currently before the Executive Council (Exco) and has been slated for discussion. This announcement was met with optimism by the HAPI team and other advocates present, who have long awaited concrete steps towards the enactment of a comprehensive disability rights law in the state.
Hon. Yuwa assured the delegation that the bill’s passage is a top priority for the state government. “We recognize the importance of this legislation in promoting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Benue State. I want to assure you that we are committed to working with the Secretary to the State Government and the Director of Exco to ensure that this bill is presented and prioritized in the next Exco meeting,” he stated.
This commitment was further solidified by the symbolic presentation of the disability bill to the SSG’s office by Hon. Bemshima Anshe, the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Special Needs. The handover of the document underscored the seriousness with which the state government is approaching the issue, and it was received with assurances that it would be treated with the urgency it deserves.
The dialogue marked a crucial milestone in the ongoing advocacy efforts led by HAPI and supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF). The organization, which has been at the forefront of promoting disability rights in Nigeria, has been relentless in its push for the state to domesticate the Disability Rights Act, which was passed at the federal level in 2019. The federal legislation is designed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure their full integration into society, but its effectiveness hinges on state-level adoption and implementation.
“We are thrilled with the progress we’ve made today,” said [Mercy], a spokesperson for HAPI. “For too long, persons with disabilities in Benue State have faced discrimination and barriers to full participation in society. The disability bill, once passed into law, will be a powerful tool in breaking down these barriers and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can contribute to and benefit from the development of our state.”
The Disability Rights Fund, which has been instrumental in supporting these advocacy efforts, also expressed confidence in the positive outcomes of the meeting. The Fund, which provides financial and technical support to organizations working to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, has been a key partner in driving the legislative process forward in Benue State.
The successful dialogue is expected to galvanize further action from the state government, with hopes that the disability bill will soon be tabled before the State Assembly as an executive bill. Once passed, the law will provide a legal framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Benue State, ensuring their access to education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services.
Advocates and stakeholders are now eagerly awaiting the outcome of the next Exco meeting, where the bill is expected to be a key agenda item. The passage of the law would not only align Benue State with national and international standards on disability rights but also set a precedent for other states yet to domesticate the Disability Rights Act.
As the state moves closer to this landmark legislation, the enthusiasm and determination of all parties involved signal a promising future for persons with disabilities in Benue. The dialogue held today is more than just a step forward—it is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable society.
