The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Gombe State chapter has appealed to Gov. Inuwa Yahaya not to delay assent to the Disability Bill that was recently passed by the state assembly.
Dr Ishiaku Adamu, the state Chairman of the Association made the appeal in Gombe on Tuesday while speaking at an event to commemorate the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
Adamu said assent to the bill would open a new chapter that would ensure that rights of the PWDs were not only acknowledged but protected and upheld.
He said that the bill when assented to and implemented in the state, would be a key step towards greater inclusion in society.
He described the bill as a big step towards an inclusive society that protects and promotes the rights of everyone.
“While we celebrate the milestones achieved, we must not lose sight of the crucial next step: the assent of the Gombe State Disability Bill.
“This singular act will breathe life into the provisions of the bill, ensuring that the rights of PWDs are not only acknowledged but protected and upheld.
“l appeal to Gov. Yahaya to give his esteemed approval to this transformative legislation.
“It will serve as a foundation for programmes, policies and initiatives that will change lives and set a standard for inclusion across the state,” he said.
Adamu commended Yahaya for his unwavering commitment to the disability community in the state.
He stated that the governor’s leadership in ensuring the passage of the Gombe State Disability Bill demonstrated his dedication to the inclusion and welfare of PWDs.
He also commended the civil society organisations, development agencies, media and other stakeholders for their efforts at amplifying the PWDs voices, which he said led to passage of the bill by the state assembly.
He said the passage was a landmark achievement which followed 15 years of persistent advocacy.
On her part, Ms Asma’u Iganus, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, restated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of all citizens in the state.
Iganus said that the administration of Gov. Yahaya had prioritised inclusion by including people with special needs in the governance structure of the state.
She said that Yahaya had shown commitment to their welfare by sending the bill as an executive bill to the state house of assembly of which they have done their work.
“What is left is for the governor to assent it. The major work has been done and I am assuring that when he returns, he will assent to it,” she said.
This year’s theme is “Amplifying the leadership of disabled people for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
