Edo JONAPWD Lauds Obaseki over passage of Disability Bill
By: Femi Mustapha
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), Edo Chapter have expressed happiness and satisfaction to Governor Godwin Obaseki in the passage of the State Disability Bill into law.
The Chairman of the Association Ann Ojugo asserted this while speaking to the media in Abuja yesterday.
Ojugo who could not contain her joy while addressing the media said, after 12 years of relentless advocacy of the disability community in partnership with the media, Civil Society and other stakeholders, Governor Obaseki had put smiles on their faces.
She believes the law will integrate people with disabilities into the larger society give them equal rights to achieve equalization of opportunities and an easy access to the society at large.
The Association thanked the Governor Obaseki for keeping to his Campaign promise, describing as a social contract between the present administration and the people with disabilities in Edo
Ojugo also appreciated the efforts of the Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, the relevant Commissioners, CSOs, and the Media for their support.
She explained that the law, which was initiated as an Executive bill by the state Governor was to make sure that persons with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone in the larger society.

“It is also aimed at guaranteeing equal opportunity for individuals with disability in the public and private sectors to access equal services delivery and inclusion.
“We sincerely believe that this legacy achievement by the governor of Edo State will take our members off the street, erase the frequent experience of discrimination and barriers faced by the community to participate in all aspects of society,” She further said.
Ann Ojugo said the law would pave the way for persons with disabilities to access public buildings, healthcare, education, employment and transportation while also providing an enabling environment for the disability community to enjoy a better livelihood.