JONAPWD Commends Gov. Alia for Signing Disability Law, Urges Creation of Disability Commission

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Benue State Chapter, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia for signing the Disability Act into law.

Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Mr. Onah Adeyi, described the development as a historic milestone and a clear demonstration of the Governor’s steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

He praised Governor Alia for initiating the executive bill and the State House of Assembly for its swift passage, noting that the prompt assent reflects the Governor’s dedication to inclusivity and social justice.

Adeyi, however, emphasized that for the law to be fully effective, the Governor should further domesticate it by establishing a Disability Commission in the state. According to him, such a commission, led by persons with disabilities, would serve as the appropriate platform to address issues affecting them.

The chairman commended the resilience and determination of the “over 800,000 persons with disabilities in Benue State” who stand to benefit from this landmark legislation. He added that Governor Alia’s action has given PWDs a stronger voice and placed Benue among states that have domesticated the disability law in Nigeria.

“We are proud to say that Benue State has taken a remarkable step in advancing disability inclusion in Nigeria. As we celebrate this milestone, we pledge to work hand in hand with the Governor’s administration, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure full implementation of the Act,” Adeyi stated.

He stressed that JONAPWD was not asking for sympathy or handouts but for an enabling environment where persons with disabilities could thrive and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

Adeyi also expressed gratitude to organizations and individuals who championed the passage of the law, including Hope Alive Possibility Initiatives, Inclusive Friends Association, Onah Adeyi International Disability Centre, the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development (BICD), Aza Gbagyo Foundation, and media partners, describing them as worthy allies of JONAPWD.

He assured the Governor of the continued support of the disability community, noting that with over 500,000 registered members in the state, “by 2027, we will have the numbers to determine who governs us because our votes count.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director of Aza Gbagyo Foundation, Barr. Joseph Gbagyo, lauded Governor Alia for his humane gesture, describing Benue as now among the first five states to domesticate the Disability Law.

He said, “The only thing we can give to humanity are those things we do for others. Whatever we do for others echoes through eternity. Supporting PWDs should not come from pity but from recognizing their unique abilities to contribute to nation-building.”