The Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Benue State have called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to promptly sign into law the state’s disability bill, which was passed by the Benue State House of Assembly on Friday, August 2, 2025.
The bill, initially transmitted to the Assembly on October 11, 2024, marks a major step toward securing legal protections and inclusive rights for over 15% of the state’s population living with disabilities.
Speaking during a press conference held in Makurdi on Monday, Executive Director of the Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative, Aver Akighir, emphasized that the passage of the bill is only the beginning of a longer journey toward equality and dignity for persons with disabilities in the state.
“But let me be clear, passing the bill is not the destination. It is the beginning,” Akighir said. “We must now work together to ensure implementation, awareness, accessibility, and budgetary allocation.
We must remain vigilant to ensure that this law is not only signed, but also respected, enforced, and translated into lived realities.”
The coalition of disability advocates urged Governor Alia to establish a well-funded and empowered disability commission, with the mandate to drive inclusion in education, healthcare, and civil service.
They further called for the enforcement of the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities in public service, and their inclusion in political appointments and leadership roles.
The groups also stressed the importance of public education campaigns to tackle stigma, and demanded accessible infrastructure in schools, hospitals, transport systems, and public buildings.
In his response, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Bem Anshe, acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders, including Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Dajoh Hyacinth, the lawmakers, and the immediate past executive council for their roles in moving the bill forward.
Anshe assured the disability community of Governor Alia’s unwavering support and pledged that the governor would not hesitate to assent to the bill in due course.
The disability bill, once signed into law, is expected to usher in a new era of dignity, rights, and opportunities for thousands of Benue citizens living with disabilities.
