‎From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

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‎The Centre for Disability Rights, Empowerment and Development (CDRED) has described the signing of the Bayelsa State Disability Law by Governor Douye Diri as a landmark achievement for disability rights, social justice and inclusive development in the state.

‎In a statement issued in Government House, Yenagoa, the organisation said the governor’s assent to the legislation marked the successful conclusion of years of advocacy and the beginning of a new era for persons with disabilities in Bayelsa State.

‎CDRED praised Governor Diri for what it described as compassionate and visionary leadership, noting that the enactment of the law underscores his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of persons with disabilities.

‎The organisation also commended the leadership of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for supporting the passage of the bill. It specifically acknowledged the efforts of Speaker Abraham Ingobere, Hon. Monday Edwin Obolo, the bill sponsor Hon. Daniel Charles, and Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba for their roles throughout the legislative process.

‎CDRED further recognized the contributions of the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development, whom it said played a critical role in ensuring the successful passage of the legislation.

‎According to the organisation, the enactment of the disability law represents a collective achievement that should be celebrated by persons with disabilities and disability-focused organisations across the state.

‎Highlighting its involvement in the process, CDRED stated that it actively monitored and constructively engaged stakeholders from the advocacy stage through the legislative process to the final passage of the bill. The organisation noted that its representatives were present in the chambers of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly when the bill was passed and were also represented at the State Executive Council chambers when Governor Douye Diri signed the bill into law.

‎As implementation begins, CDRED called for unity, mutual respect and collaboration among all stakeholders, stressing the need to build partnerships that will ensure the law delivers meaningful benefits to persons with disabilities.

‎The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the government in supporting the effective implementation of the law and the establishment of the relevant structures and agency required to drive its objectives.

‎Expressing optimism about the impact of the legislation, CDRED said the law would improve access to opportunities, strengthen the protection of rights, promote inclusion and enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities across Bayelsa State.

‎”The law has been passed. The law has been signed. The task before us now is to ensure that its promises become realities in the lives of the people it was enacted to serve,” the organisation stated.