So far, Benue state is one of those states yet to domesticate the Persons with Disabilities Act. In this report, JOHN SHIAONDO writes on steps being taken to address the yearning gap.
Benue state, known as the ‘Food Basket of the Nation’, boasts of its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural scenery.
However, beneath its picturesque facade lies a disturbing reality – the systematic marginalisation of persons with disabilities due to lack of a law to protect their rights.
The absence of a disability law in the state has left this vulnerable group exposed to discrimnation, exclusion, and neglect and some times outright abuse.
Benue is one of the few states in Nigeria yet to enact disability legislation, leaving persons with disabilities without any legal recourse or protection.
This vacuum perpetuates stigma, social exclusion and limited access to education, employment, healthcare and social services.
Personal experiences
A blind, but resident of Adikpo in Kwande local government area of the state Aondoala Abende shared his experiences.
“As a person with visual impairment, I face numerous challenges daily. Public buildings lack ramps, schools don’t provide braille materials and employers discriminate against me. The absence of a disability law makes it impossible to seek justice.”
Also John Shaagee, another person living with disabilities said living with hearing loss can be incredibly challenging, especially when basic rights and protections are lacking.
“Every day, as someone with a hearing problem, I face a lot of challenges that make everyday life a struggle. “Most at times performing simple tasks without the law in place becomes daunting when there’s no access to sign language interpreters in public spaces, hospitals, courts or government offices. This limits my ability to access vital information. Sometimes due to lack of information, I face a lot of exploitations, scams, abuses and manipulation.
“Still worse, when you face these challenges, it is difficult to report a crime or participate in legal proceedings due to communication barriers. It’s heartbreaking,” he noted.
NGO intervention
The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) a non governmental organisation present in Benue and other states have been advocating a need for such law in the state.
During an advocacy visit on Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD) recently, IFA expressed worries over the absence of disability laws in the state and emphasised the need for a swift action from the state government to domesticate the Disability Act.
The executive director of IFA Grace Jerry, while speaking at the occasion urged the state government to enact disabilities law to protect the tights of Persons with Disabilities.
She stressed that Benue is lagging behind in the enforcement of rights and inclusion of people with disabilities due to the absence of crucial legislation.
She also emphasised that having a law in place is vital to hold individuals accountable and ensure people with disabilities benefit directly.
According to her, without legislation, people with disabilities face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, employment discrimination, inadequate access to healthcare and social exclusion.
She noted that domesticating the Disability Act and the National Disability Rights Commission (NDRC) act would provide a legal framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in the state.
According to her, “This legislation would assist to establish accountability mechanisms, promote inclusive development, provide accessible infrastructure, enhance education and employment opportunities and protect against discrimination.
The IFA boss also noted that states like Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna and recently Gombe have demonstrated the benefits of domesticating disability legislation, therefore protecting the rights of these vulnerable people.
She therefore called on Benue state government, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and community leaders to work in synergy in order to speedily enact the disability legislation, establish implementing agencies, advocate for policy change, provide support services, sensitise and educate the public. By taking those steps, she said Benue would ensure the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities and promoting a more equitable society for all.
As it is, hope seems not to have been lost as the state government through BICD is spearheading efforts to ensure enactment of the law protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Under the leadership of director general, Leo Angelo Viashima, BICD has been working tirelessly to ensure that the state’s disability law becomes a reality.
When stakeholders gathered
Just recently, it organised a stakeholders’ meeting, bringing together representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations and persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the meeting Viashima said the meeting discussed the draft disability bill and gathered input from stakeholders.
According to him, “The Benue state government is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
“This law would provide a framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full participation in society.
“BICD has been collaborating with organisations such as the Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities to advocate for the passage of the law,” he added.
IFA’s Grace Jerry also praised BICD’s efforts, saying, “We commend the Benue state government and BICD for taking concrete steps towards protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. This law would be a game-changer for our community.”
Plans to domesticate the act
But while the proposed law is expected to be presented to the state House of Assembly for consideration and passage, BICD and its partners would have to continue to advocate for its enactment and implementation.
Just barely a week ago, the state government unfolded plans to hold a multilateral summit for People with Disabilities (PWD) slated to take place in March next year.
The special assistant to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Persons With Special Needs, Mr Bem Anshe, who disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting of PWDs in Makurdi, commended the governor for appointing him, also a member of those with disabilities, as an adviser.
He commended the Christian Blind Missions (CBM), the Bureau of International Cooperation and Development (BICD) and the state secretary of Benue Rehabilitation Board for their sustained support to persons with disabilities.
He also commended the media for the consistent reportage of their activities especially for the government to see that disability issues are not treated with levity.
He used the opportunity to encourage people of the state to give their maximum support to the present administration in order to deliver on the numerous programmes it has for Nigerians, adding that people with disabilities have enormous potentials that when adequately tapped, would contribute a lot to the development of the society.
He was of the opinion that the planned summit would draw all those with special needs from all over the state to showcase their talents to the outside world and also prove that there is abilities in disabilities.
The humanitarian programme officer of the Christian Blind Missions (CBM) International, Daniel Momoh, while speaking to newsmen stressed the need for the government to embrace the summit stressing that, “CBM is happy and willing to contribute to the achievement of the programme and ensure that the disability Act is passed into law in Benue state.”
He said CBM is indeed determined to ensure that PWDs are respected and included in their communities as well as engaged in all decision-making at all levels, stressing that the organisation would not relent in championing the cause for the passage of the disability rights act in the state.
The head of programmes BICD, Barr Ori Onum disclosed the theme of the summit as, ‘Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Accelerating Disability Rights for an Inclusive Future’.
Onum also said the objectives of the summit are to accelerate the legislative process for the passage of the bill and ensure it provides comprehensive protection for PWDs, advocates for inclusivity, showcases the abilities of PWDs, strengthens multi-sectoral partnerships and raises public awareness.
A new dawn for persons with disabilities
It could be noted that with the Benue state government’s commitment to enacting a disability law, persons with disabilities can look forward to a brighter future. This law would pave the way for equal opportunities, social inclusion and dignity. For as Viashima emphasised, “This law is not just about persons with disabilities; it’s about creating a society that values diversity and promotes inclusivity for all.”