A strong appeal has been made to the Taraba State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Disability Commission Bill, which seeks to promote inclusivity and protect the rights of persons living with disabilities in the state.
In an open letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, John Kizito Bonzena, and released yesterday, Comrade Wanderimam Tenyang, Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Taraba State Chapter, commended lawmakers for moving the bill through its second reading. He, however, called for urgent legislative action to ensure its swift passage into law.
Tenyang highlighted the pressing challenges faced by people with disabilities in the state, many of whom, he said, are forced into begging due to unemployment and lack of government support.
“Many are unemployed and forced to beg on the streets, in churches, mosques, and offices just to survive,” he wrote. “The establishment of a Disability Commission will open up employment opportunities, reduce poverty, and address key challenges such as accessibility, education, and integration into society.”
The proposed Taraba State Disability Commission, according to Tenyang, would serve as a dedicated institution to champion the rights of persons with disabilities, ensure effective policy implementation, and promote inclusion across various sectors.
He stressed that the passage of the bill would not only uplift the disabled community but also contribute meaningfully to the state’s broader development goals.
“The passage of this bill will not only improve the lives of persons with disabilities but also contribute to the overall development of Taraba State,” he added, urging the House to prioritize the bill and conclude the legislative process without delay.
Tenyang noted that the disability community in Taraba continues to await the establishment of the commission with great anticipation, expressing hope that its eventual creation would mark a turning point in their struggle for equality, dignity, and social justice.