The Benue State Chapter of the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has thanked the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for signing the Disability Act into law.
The association’s Chairman, Mr. Onah Adeyi, showed his appreciation during a press briefing in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
Mr. Adeyi said the signing of the law is a major achievement and shows that Governor Alia is truly committed to protecting the rights and improving the lives of people with disabilities.
He praised the Governor for initiating the bill and also thanked the State House of Assembly for quickly passing it. He said the Governor’s swift approval shows his dedication to fairness and inclusion.
Mr. Adeyi also urged the Governor to take further action by setting up a Disability Commission in the state. He said this commission should be run by people with disabilities to handle issues affecting them directly.
The JONAPWD Chairman praised the strength and determination of the over 800,000 people with disabilities in Benue State who will benefit from this new law.
He thanked Governor Alia for giving people with disabilities a voice in government affairs and said this move places Benue State among the few in Nigeria that have fully adopted the disability law.
He said, “We are proud that Benue has taken a big step towards including people with disabilities in society. We are ready to work closely with the Governor to make sure this law is put into action.”
He added that JONAPWD will also partner with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other groups to continue fighting for the rights and welfare of people with disabilities in the state.
He repeated his call for a Disability Commission and said it should be led by qualified individuals who understand the needs of people with disabilities. He stressed that this would give them a proper place to bring their ideas and concerns.
He made it clear that people with disabilities are not asking for charity or pity. Instead, they want an environment where they can work, live, and contribute meaningfully to the development of society.
The Chairman thanked all individuals and organizations who helped make the law possible. These include Hope Alive Possibility Initiatives, Inclusive Friends Association, and Onah Adeyi International Disability Centre.
He also appreciated Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, Director General of the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Aza Gbagyo Foundation, and media partners, calling them true allies of JONAPWD.
Mr. Adeyi promised the Governor continued support from the disability community. He said out of over 800,000 people with disabilities in Benue, 500,000 are registered members of JONAPWD, and by 2027, they will use their votes to influence who governs them.
Barrister Joseph Gbagyo, Executive Director of the Aza Gbagyo Foundation, said it feels rewarding to help others, especially vulnerable groups. He promised to keep supporting people with disabilities, not out of pity, but because it is the right thing to do.
