By Thompson Yamput
The Kogi Assembly on Friday pledged to strengthen laws to protect and accommodate Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in its activities and other sectors of governance.
The Speaker, Yusuf Umar, made the pledge during an engagement with the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) strategic and Award Presentation in Lokoja.
Umar, who was represented by Suleiman Abdulrazaq, House Majority Leader and member representing Okene I Constituency, said that the assembly has PWDs in heart to better their lots.
“Just recently. we passed the disability law to take care of issues related to the PWDs in the state but we are ready to do more for them.
“We shall look at these laws you presented to us today and see how we can incorporate them for inclusiveness in affairs of the state, ” he said.
On appointments, the speaker promised to consult with Gov. Ahmed Ododo to appoint more PWDs in his administration.
Earlier, Alhaji Rilwan Mohammed, NAPWPD) National President commended the house members for the recent amendment of Kogi laws to give PWDs some sense of belonging.
Mohammed, who presented the various sections of the laws desiring further amendment, appealed for the establishment of a Disability Trust Fund that could support PWDs in the country.
“We need a trust fund that can improve the lives of PWDs across the nation more so that there’s ability in disability, ” he said.
The president, through Jacob Alaji, presented two bills on Procurement laws in section II and Financial laws of 2019 in sections 28(1), 58(2) and 63.
He added: “the substance of the two bills is to ensure that PWDs should be included in governance.
Mr Solomon Yahaya, Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons With Disabilities, Kogi Chapter , appealed for consideration of more PWDs for appointments as Senior Special Advisers or Special Advisers to Local Government chairmen, “on the basis that we can deliver.”
“We are begging you to help us talk to Gov. Ahmed Ododo to talk to the LGA chairmen on that including creating more employment opportunities for PWDs in the state, ” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Idris Muraina, Chairman, Inclusive Budget Committee for PWDs in Kogi, announced a proposed summit for PWDs and other stakeholders, the first of its kind in Nigeria, to be held at Ajaokuta, Kogi. NAN
