Benue State Government Commits to Disability Support Initiatives

The Benue State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting persons living with disabilities by ensuring their meaningful participation in community development. This assurance was made by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Theresa Ikwue, during a multi-stakeholder dialogue on disability-inclusive participation in climate governance held in Makurdi.

Represented by Mrs. Magdalene Andoor, the commissioner emphasized the government's readiness to collaborate with organizations like Hope Alive Possibilities Initiative (HAPI), which organized the event with support from the Disability Rights Fund. Aver Akighir, Executive Director of HAPI, highlighted the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities during climate-related emergencies and urged stakeholders to move from mere consultation to actionable commitments.

She noted Nigeria's progress in disability inclusion through the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, stressing the importance of translating policies into real participation.