By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Pursuant to the third reading and possible passage of the Delta State Protection of Persons Living with Disability Bill, the State House of Assembly, Monday held a public hearing on the bill to gather inputs from relevant stakeholders.
The public hearing was at the instance of the Delta State House of Assembly joint committee on Housing, Women affairs, Humanitarian Support Services and Girl Child Entrepreneurship, headed by the member representing Oshimili South, Hon Bridget Anyafulu and Committee on Special Bills, which has the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Emeka Nwaobi as Chairman.
The public hearing held at the State Assembly complex, Asaba, was attended by relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, including, the State Ministry of Justice, Primary and Secondary Education, Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, among others.
The public hearing also witnessed in attendance a large number of persons with disabilities, cutting across several clusters of disabilities; including the visually impaired, mentally unstable, the albinos, amongst others.
In his remarks, the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi who represents Aniocha North, hinted that the public hearing had become imperative towards ensuring that the proposed law meets the yearnings and aspirations of the targeted groups in the society.
Flanked by some other members, including Hon Oboro Preyor and Charles Emetulu, Hon Nwaobi said, “We have invited you as stakeholders for your contribution towards ensuring that this bill comes out as quick as possible for the benefit of those concerned
“We have received memoranda from stakeholders so that we can go back to our tables and put them together to see that this bill comes out for the benefit of those living with disability.
“You should be rest assured that we will continue to do our best to ensure that your desires are met” Hon. Nwaobi said.
In her address of welcome at the event, the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Support services and Girl Child Entrepreneurship, Hon Bridget Anyafulu, while underscoring the import of the public hearing, assured the various stakeholders that the committee would give careful consideration to their suggestions.
Anyafulu commended the large interest of stakeholders to the making of the proposed law, stressing that it would go a long way in addressing the challenges of physically challenged in the society.
Earlier, the State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) Comrade Ernest Igbuzor commended the State House of Assembly for the ongoing Bill on Protection of Persons Living with Disability, adding that when passed into law, the bill would go a long way in alleviating the challenges faced by them.
The joint committee is expected to submit its report at plenary for further legislative actions.