BY FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR/BENIN
NETWORK for the Advancement of People With Visible Disabilities(NAPVID), has called on the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to immediately constitute the Edo State commission for persons with disability, to drive the implementation of the disability law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly in 2022.
The Executive Director of NAPVID, Bar. Melody Omosah Esq made this call yesterday at the 13th NAPVID “RIGHTS ABOVE CHARITY LECTURE’ to mark the 2024 International Day for People with Disabilities.
He commended the immediate past Governor of the State, Governor Godwin Obaseki for beqeathing to them the Edo State Disability law, 2022 to prohibit all forms of discrimination and to protect the spectrum of rights and interest of persons With Disabilities.
“ Your Excellency we celebrate that legacy because it took more than 10 years of intense advocacy to have a Disability Right Law in Edo State”.
In his good Will message, the Edo State chief judge, Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa commended the NAPVID for their commitment in championing the cause of persons living with disabilities.
The chief judge who was represented by Mrs Dorothy Adamaigbo said the need to implement the disability law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly in 2022 is vital for fostering an inclusive equitable society.
Said he, “Prioritizing the enforcement of this law, reaffirms our commitment to a society where is valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. The implementation of this law is not just aa legal duty, but a moral imperative that reflects the best of our shared humanity”. Delivering the keynote lecture titled “From Margins to Mainstream: Implementing the Edo State Persons With Disability Law For an Inclusive and Equitable Society,” Senior Advocate of Nigeria and renowned human rights advocate, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, called for a robust and collective effort to eliminate discrimination and stigmatization against persons with disabilities.
She noted that inclusivity is not just a social responsibility but a moral imperative that must be pursued vigorously.
Also speaking, he Edo State Chairman of Joint National Association Of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ann Ojiugo said “our demand is,for the establishment of the Edo State disability commission as inscribed in the 2022 law. This will further eradicate all forms of discrimination and, will ensure that persons living with disabilities are integrated in the day to day running of government”.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the presentation of livelihood grants to some persons living with disabilities.
