Advocacy Push for Disability Law in Benue Gains Momentum as HAPI Engages Key Stakeholder

Efforts to enact a disability law in Benue State have advanced significantly following an advocacy visit to Hon. Solomon Iorpev, the Technical Advisor to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communications. The delegation, led by Ms. Aver Akighir, Executive Director of Hope Alive Possibilities Initiative (HAPI), emphasized the urgency of domesticating the Benue State Disability Bill to protect the rights of over 921,195 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.

Ms. Akighir highlighted the necessity of the bill, stating, “The disability bill is not just about legal frameworks; it is about ensuring that no one is left behind in the development agenda of the state.” She underscored that the legislation would guarantee access to education, employment, healthcare, and accessibility for all PWDs.

In response, Hon. Iorpev commended HAPI’s advocacy efforts and acknowledged the compelling statistics presented. He affirmed the government’s dedication to human rights and inclusivity, assuring that the disability bill would be prioritized. Hon. Iorpev also pledged to collaborate with HAPI to enhance media representation of PWDs and to leverage his position to promote the passage of the bill.

This engagement represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of disability-inclusive governance in Benue State. The partnership between HAPI and the governor’s office aims to change societal narratives and ensure that PWDs are fully integrated into all aspects of state development.