Edo Govt. unveils simplified disability rights law

The Edo State Government has unveiled a simplified version of its disability rights law for persons living with disabilities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Musa Umar Ikhilor, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in the state.

Ikhilor, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr Ohunyon Ekikioya, noted that the strength of any society lies not only in its physical structures but also in the extent to which it guarantees equal opportunities for all citizens.

The programme was organised by the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, with support from the Network for the Advancement of People with Disabilities and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.

According to him, laws are enacted to protect rights, guide conduct, and promote justice, but their true value lies not only in their enactment but also in their accessibility and practical application.

“The simplification of the disability rights law is a thoughtful and commendable initiative aimed at ensuring that its provisions are better understood by citizens, particularly persons with disabilities and their families.

“By doing so, we are strengthening public awareness, encouraging compliance, and empowering citizens with the knowledge required to claim and protect their rights within the framework of the law.

“The Edo State Government remains resolute in its commitment to fostering an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are not viewed through the lens of dependency or limitation,” he said.

He commended the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities for its advocacy and commitment to advancing disability inclusion in the state.

In his goodwill message, Mr Melody Omosah, Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), advocated the establishment of radio programmes to promote public awareness of disability rights.

Omosah, while highlighting Section 18 of the state disability law, stated that education is a fundamental right for persons with disabilities from primary school to university level.

He further explained that the simplified law provides for the establishment of at least one special school in each of the 18 local government areas of the state.

“The law also stipulates that there should be at least one special school in every local government area. It is an offence for parents or guardians to deny children with disabilities access to education by keeping them out of school,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr Theophilus Egbodion, said the simplified version of the law would help educate persons with disabilities and enable them to better understand their rights.

One of the participants, Mr Ovenseri Iduozee, thanked the state government for enacting the law, saying it would help persons with disabilities realise that they enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens.