Buni signs disabilities bill into law
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has signed the long-awaited disabilities protection bill (DIPB) into law.
According to him, the bill has been added with the establishment of a commission in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Assenting to the bill over the weekend in Damaturu, he disclosed: “The DIPB is a legal framework to empower people with disabilities in every part of the state,” adding that it will also promote their active participation in the socio-economic development of the society.
Buni noted that the implementation of the bill by the PWDs’ Commission will ensure the protection of their rights.
Besides the protection of rights, he said, “The signed bill mandates the elimination or breaking of barriers that hinder accessibility with equal opportunities for PWDs.”
The governor stated that the opportunities abound in the education, employment, health, transportation, and other critical sectors of the economy.
The civil society organisations (CSOs) and Advocacy for Disability Act Cluster (ADAC) commended Buni for signing the long-awaited bill into law.
They described the PWDs bill as a significant step towards “inclusiveness and empowerment” of people with disabilities in the state. End of story.