The Benue State House of Assembly has passed the Persons with Disabilities Bill through its second reading, marking a significant step toward establishing a legal and institutional framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in the state.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Benue State Disability Rights Agency and for Other Purposes Connected Therewith,” was sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Comr. Saater Tiseer.
During the debate on the bill, Comr. Tiseer emphasized that the proposed agency, once established, would serve as a platform for promoting awareness about the rights, dignity, and capabilities of persons with disabilities. He further stated that the agency would ensure equal opportunities for them in key areas such as education, employment, healthcare, marriage, and family life.
Following deliberations, the Speaker of the House, Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, referred the bill to the House Standing Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development for further legislative scrutiny.
In addition to the disability rights bill, the Maintenance of Widows Bill, sponsored by Hon. Jiji Samuel (representing Logo State Constituency), also passed its second reading.
The bill seeks to provide for the welfare and maintenance of widows of past traditional rulers in Benue State, ensuring their well-being after the demise of their spouses.
Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh referred the bill to the House Standing Committee on Local Government, Security, and Chieftaincy Affairs for further legislative review.
With both bills advancing in the legislative process, stakeholders and advocacy groups eagerly anticipate their eventual passage into law to improve the lives of persons with disabilities and widows in the state.
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