Governor Umo Eno has been requested by the National Association of the Blind (NAB) Akwa Ibom State Council to sign the disability bill that was passed by the House of Assembly yesterday.
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Barrister Stephen Solomon, the association’s chairman, made the request in Uyo on the occasion of the union’s executive members’ one-year anniversary.
He elaborated on how the bill would enable members to fight for their rights and end discrimination and segregation once it was signed into law.
“We implore the governor to sign the Akwa Ibom State disability bill as it has been approved by the House of Assembly. Only then will we have a legal basis upon which to begin fighting for our rights,” he stated. Reducing discrimination, segregation, and hiding will be aided by the bill’s assent.
In addition, Solomon emphasized the need of empowering people with disabilities through work opportunities and other state-sponsored initiatives so that they can provide for their family.
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But he bemoaned the fact that many disabled individuals, especially the blind, do not attend school and he pleaded with the government to make this a top priority.
In addition, Augustine Udo, chairman of the Uyo Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), spoke on behalf of the blind association, praising its members for their strength, unity, and persistent campaign for equality and empowerment.
The bill is now pending assent, and he hopes that its structure is fair enough to meet the needs of all people with disabilities.
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Just in the past year, your association has grown into an inspiring symbol of change, bravery, and hope, he continued. You have been an inspiration to the community at large with your dogged pursuit of equality and the removal of obstacles.