Disability Bill sails through first reading in Benue Assembly

The Benue state House of Assembly Friday passed the Disability Bill through its first reading, paving the way for PWDs to benefit from their rightful privileges.

The bill, according to the Assembly, is geared towards promoting inclusivity and empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The bill, presented by the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, at plenary Friday aims to domesticate the Disability Law and address the challenges faced by PWDs in the state.

Tiseer emphasised that the bill’s passage would change the living conditions of PWDs and make “Benue a state with a friendly disposition towards the disability community.”

The Clerk of the Assembly, John Hwande, read the bill, while the Minority Leader, Michael Udu, seconded the motion.

Lawmakers who contributed to the debate argued that the bill’s passage would be timely and urged the house to expedite the process.

The Speaker, Aondona Dajo, referred the bill for further legislative action.

The development followed advocacy efforts by Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), and other stakeholders, which has championed the domestication of the bill in the state.

IFA’s Executive Director, Grace Jerry, while reacting highlighted that Benue “is the only state in the North-central that is yet to domesticate the Disability Law.”

“The passage of this bill would be a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and empowering PWDs in the state,” she said.