By isaac kertyo, makurdi
The joint national association of persons with disabilities, benue state chapter, has called for domestication of the disability act into law in the state to give it legal backing.
Chairman of the association in the state and personal assistant to benue state governor on special needs, hon bem anshe, made the call in makurdi during a courtesy visit on the director general, benue state education quality assurance agency, dr terna francis.
His words: ” one of the reasons we are here is to solicit your influence for the domestication of the disability act in benue state. You will recall that the disability act was passed in 2018 by former president, muhammadu buhari, and was assented to in 2019.
“From that time to now, benue is the only state in the whole of north central zone that is left behind to dominate this act. We are soliciting that you will add your voice to ensure that this act is passed in benue state as a law to give us legal backing.”
Mr anshe, explained that the primary objective of the association is to have a unifying and formidable voice on matters that relate to over 15 % of the nigerian population who are living with various forms of disabilities, adding that the visit is to strengthen the advocacy of the association as well as the collaboration with the benue state government.
“We are saddled with the responsibility of strengthening advocacy and inclusion of persons with disabilities. It is on that premise that the governor of benue state, rev fr hyacinth alia, has appointed me to serve in his cabinet to ensure that the welfarism especially of persons with disabilities, particularly in benue state is met.”
While appreciating the governor of benue state, rev fr hyacinth alia, for improving the welfare of people with special needs, the chairman solicited for employment of persons with disabilities by government to enable them contribute to the development of the state.
In his remarks, the director general, benue state education quality assurance agency, dr terna francis, assured the group of the agency’s support, stressing that it is unfortunate that the act has not been domesticated in benue state.
“Once the act is domesticated, you know that you are legally covered, and the issues of infractions here and there, the law can be cited and something will be done about it. At our end as stakeholders, we can see how best we can support you to push through with the house of assembly,” terna assured.
