ADAC seeks domestication of disability law, establishment of Commission in Gombe
By Chima Azubuike
Advocacy for Disability Act cluster has called on Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, to sign the state disability law and consider the establishment of Commission.
Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association and ADAC Cluster Anchor, Grace Jerry, made this disclosure in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, stressing that the assent and establishment of the Commission would be apt for Persons with Disabilities in Gombe state especially as the country commemorates democracy day.
According to her, the United Nations estimates 15 per cent of the world’s population to be person with one form of disability or the other, adding that it is safe to say that over 550,000 persons in the state have one form of disability or the other.
“With this huge population it is imperative to consider a legislation that will protect the rights, dignity, and respect of persons with disabilities in order to get benefits from the diverse skills which resides within this cluster of persons,” the statement partly said.
While commending Yahaya on his reelection, she noted that Advocacy for Disability Act cluster is implementing the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement SCALE through Palladium with support from USAID, urging him to consolidate on his achievements by tackling their request.
“ADAC in collaboration with the Disability Community and Association of Non-governmental organisations in Gombe state, use this medium to congratulate his Excellency Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, on his reelection to office and also other members of the state Assembly.
“The coalition, however, calls on His Excellency to consolidate on his efforts to better the lives of Persons with Disabilities as he signed into law a legislation that will better enable this community hold state and non-state actors accountable as they ensure that the right systems are put in place in order to guarantee a fulfilled life through accessibility and the right based approach.
“It also calls on all other relevant government agencies responsible for ensuring that persons with disabilities live a fulfilled life to act in the right direction in order to make Gombe state an inclusive state,” Jerry’s statement added
