The Plateau State chapter of the National Association of Persons Living with Physical Disabilities has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, to involve its members in their administrations.
The Plateau State Chairman of the association, Gotan Kitgak Munbapba, made the appeal in Jos on Saturday during a press conference held to mark International Wheelchair Day. “As we celebrate, we also use this opportunity to respectfully call on the government to take further decisive actions to strengthen disability inclusion in the state. In particular, we urge the proper constitution of the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission, which is critical to safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities,” he said.
The group noted that the Plateau State Government is yet to appoint an aide to the governor on disability matters. It also urged local government chairmen across the state to appoint its members as supervisory councillors and special assistants. “We advocate for the appointment of more persons with disabilities to key government positions such as Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants. Inclusion in governance ensures that our voices are heard and that policies reflect our lived realities,” Munbapba added.
“We also encourage those local government councils that are yet to appoint supervisory councillors, especially representatives of persons with disabilities to do so without delay. True development can only be achieved when no one is left behind,” he stressed.
Munbapba expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for appointing one of their members to serve in the disability commission at the federal level. He also commended Governor Mutfwang for addressing some of the challenges faced by members of the association. “We sincerely appreciate the Executive Governor of Plateau State for his support and commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we commend his administration for the steps taken so far toward inclusivity,” he said.
Other speakers at the media briefing also emphasized the need for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance. They called for collective efforts to build a society where accessibility is guaranteed, equality is upheld, and every individual, regardless of ability can thrive.
International Wheelchair Day is celebrated globally on March 1 each year. The day aims to encourage support for people who use wheelchairs and promote their inclusion in society.
It was also gathered that persons living with disabilities in Plateau State currently lack a comprehensive database to account for all members across the state.
