A coalition of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Bayelsa State have appealed to the state governor, Senator Douye Diri to consider one of their members for appointment as commissioner while he prepares to be sworn into office for a second term come February 14, 2024.

PWDs made the plea at a town hall meeting in Yenagoa, organised by TAF-Africa with the theme: ‘Mainstreaming Participation of Persons with Disabilities PWDs in Governance Processes in Bayelsa State’.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to Bayelsa State Government (SSG) Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, has assured PWDs in the state that government remains dedicated to creating an environment where the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld and implementing policies that would foster inclusivity, remove barriers and provide equal opportunities for all.

Ekeuwei, who stated this in his goodwill message at the TAF-Africa town hall meeting, pointed out that the theme of the meeting aligns with the state government’s commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible government.

He said: “We consider It a strategic essential for overall growth of our state, as well as a matter of social fairness, that persons with disabilities actively participate in governing processes.

“As the Secretary to the State Government, I assure you that the government of Bayelsa dedicated to creating an environment where the rights of persons with disabilities are upheld, and their voices are heard. We are committed to implementing policies that foster inclusivity, remove barriers, and provide equal opportunities for all.

“I commend TAF Africa for their relentless efforts in advocating for disability inclusiveness and I express gratitude for organizing this Town Hall Meeting. It is platforms like the work towards a more inclusive and just society.”

Earlier the founder of TAF Africa, Amb. Jake Epelle, commended Governor Diri for appointing PWDs as Special Advisers and Special Assistants and appealed to the Governor to prove himself as the number one inclusive governor by appointing a PWD as commissioner in his second term.

Epelle said: “I think this is the beginning of what might snowballs into a national and continental agenda which is inclusive governance , getting the government to commit to creating the platform for participation of Persons Living with Disabilities, PWDs, in all strata of governance whether it is in legislative or executive or judiciary.

“It is an opportunity to bring together all the ministries and PWDs and NGOs to discuss on a template for inclusive governance . We created a pathway for that synergy and for duty bearers to make commitment of what they will do to ensure that PWDs are carried along.

“Let me use this occasion to call on the Bayelsa state governor, Senator Douye Diri, that you are about to constitute a new government, thank you for giving us Special Advisers, but this time around we want a commissioner.

“Not a Commissioner for PWD but a commissioner with disability, and we have many PWD across board that can function in several ministries , use this occasion to prove yourself as number one inclusive governor by appointing a person with disability as a commissioner.” (Nigerian Tribune)

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