The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has pledged adequate legislative support for women and other persons with disabilities.
The Assembly Speaker, Danladi Jatau, gave the assurance on Thursday in Lafia when he hosted a non-governmental organisation, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative.
Mr Jatau said that the support would help improve the standard of living and those of their family members.
The speaker stated that there was ability in disability, hence his determination to support them at all times.
He said, “Let me assure you that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that persons with disabilities are carried along in governance. We will remove the barriers, which before now posed some hindrances for the effective functioning of persons with disabilities in the state. In the eye of the Lord, we are all equal. I have respect for disabled persons and other people. That is why we have passed the Disability Rights Law, and the governor has constituted the Disability Rights Commission to take care of the welfare of disabled persons in the state. I assure you that the government will take you into consideration now more than ever before.’’
TThe Vice Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Aliyu Chunnaya, appreciated the NGO for the advocacy.
“This House is disabled friendly, as we have taken the welfare of disabled women and others seriously,” he said.
Earlier, the Programme Manager, Advocacy for Women Disabilities Initiative, Kola Jayeoba, commended the Nasarawa lawmakers for passing bills and resolutions having direct bearing on the lives of women and other people.
Mr Jayeoba advocated the inclusion of more disabled women in governance as well as consideration of disabled women’s plights when building public facilities to ease their movement.
He also advocated the sexual and reproductive health of persons with disabilities.
Mr Jayeoba further called for more employment opportunities for disabled women, adding that there is ability in disability.
The programme manager appreciated Hivos People Unlimited for supporting the NGO’s activities.
The Nasarawa State Coordinator, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative, Asaba Averson, appealed for respect and special attention for people with disabilities.
