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October 24, (THEWILL) – Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has promised to facilitate the quick passage of the disability bill pending at the State House of Assembly for assent and domestication in the state.
The governor gave the assurance through the Secretary to the State Government, Deaconess Deborah Aber, when the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) paid an advocacy visit on Thursday, in Makurdi.
While commending the association for pressing for a worthy cause, he said the welfare of people with disability in the state won’t be trampled upon.
“This administration is intentional in ensuring that people with disability have a voice in Benue state, as seen in the appointment of a Special Assistant on Disability and a Sign Language Interpreter to see that all are carried along in the scheme of things.”
Deaconse Aber, who thanked IFA for consistent advocacy, noted that something greater for the disabled will come under the present administration and sued for patience.
In his remarks, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, Mr Bem Anshe, decried the lukewarm attitude of the past administration regarding the interest of the disabled in the state.
He, however, expressed optimism that the Alia administration is paying attention to their welfare, saying the advocacy of the Secretary to the Benue State Government is a continuation of the push for quick action.
Earlier, the Executive Director, the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Miss Grace Jerry, informed that Benue is the only state in North Central Nigeria yet to domesticate the disability bill.
She said the bill was before the Benue State House of Assembly, calling on the SSG to raise the matter at the State Executive Council Meeting for quick action.
The group later paid similar advocacy to the Director General, Benue State Budget and Economic Planning Commission, Prof. Jerome Andohol, where it called for the establishment of the Benue Disability Commission.
She stated that the disability Commission, when established, will take care of the health, education and other needs of members in the state.
