Persons with Disabilities have called on the Kogi State Government to domesticate the disability law in the state. 

Chairman, Kogi Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Solomon Yahaya, made the call during the celebration of the 2023 International Day of disability in Lokoja.

This year’s celebration was organised by the association, in collaboration with Leprocy Mission Nigeria during which a road walk was observed by the PWDs within the streets of Lokoja metropolis.

Mr Yahaya explained that the domestication of disability law in Kogi would open opportunities for the government to address the grey areas affecting People with Disabilities in the state.

“We appreciate what the state government has been doing for us over the years but believe that domesticating the disability law will do us much good. JONAPWDs is hereby pleading with the state government, corporate organisations and Non-Governmental Organisations to always consider us in whatever they do,” he said.

The Board Chairman, Kogi Office of Disability Affairs,  Ibrahim Arome, said the theme of the event, “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities,” was apt in view of the enormous challenges facing PWDs across the world.

Mr Arome appealed to the government at all levels to prioritise issues of disability by coming to their aid at all times.

“We are appealing to government, spirited individuals and organisations to come to our aid because up till now, there are public structures or building that the disable cannot access, as such bodies were not constructed with due considerations for PWDs.

“We want the Kogi State Government and political parties to consider us in elective positions, empowerment and other areas that can enhance the wellbeing of disabled in the state,” he stated.

The Resource Person, Mr Hamza Aliyu, who is the Executive Director, Initiative for Grassroots Advancement, in his paper presentation, called for full implementation of established laws to advance the cause of people with disabilities.

Mr Aliyu said until the government and other organisations as well as concerned individuals showed some level of concern to PWDs, their problems would linger. 

(NAN)