Al-Makura appeals to Jonathan to pass Disability Bill

From Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to consider giving accent to the Disability Bill passed by the National Assembly.

Al-Makura said the Bill is aimed at giving persons living with disability a greater sense of belonging and a fair ground to realize their full potentials in life.

He made the call yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, during the opening ceremony of the annual national conference of the Nigerian Association of Special Education Teachers.

According to him, “The law, which seeks the protection of the rights of the disabled, would go a long way in remedying the injustices and stigmatization meted out on the disabled in both public and private sectors of the society and restore their inalienable dignity, as human beings.”

He announced that his administration has offered special scholarship for those living with disability up to tertiary level, making further commitment that automatic employment would be offered to such persons on completion of their academic pursuits.

While noting that he has constructed three special schools for the disabled in the state, which are expected to commence academic activities soon, Al-Makura opined that he would collaborate with Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), for special incentives to be provided to teachers in special schools due to the peculiarity of their tasks.

He made a cash donation of N3 million to the association and promised regular support to the association as a proud member of the association of the disabled.

In his address, the national president of the association, Dr. Elemukan Isaiah, said the association has embarked on sustained enlightenment campaigns and advocacy with the aim of breaking the economic and social barriers facing individuals with special needs and to ensure their independence and better quality of life.