Delta State Persons Living with Disabilities Bill Passes Second Reading

The Delta State House of Assembly has read for the second time a bill for a law to safeguard people living with disability against all forms of discrimination.

The private member bill sponsored by, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola and nineteen (19) others seek to equalize the opportunities of the disabled in all aspects of living in the society and establish a commission for persons living with disability in Delta State.

Speaking on the merits of the bill, Hon. Okowa-Daramola stated that the bill is about the prohibition of discrimination and right to inclusion and access of the environment and provision of miscellaneous for people with disability.

She highlighted two crucial points for consideration. Firstly, the establishment of specialized primary and secondary schools in all local government areas in Delta State to cater to the education needs of children with disabilities. Secondly, the creation of a disability fund to provide stipends, supporting disabled individuals in their day-to-day lives.

Okowa-Daramola urged members of the house to support the bill as persons with disability are all members of their communities and constituent.

Fifteen members of the house, including the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, Minority Leader, Hon. Edafe Emakpor, spoke in favour of the bill.

They all commended the lead sponsor of the bill for her proposal, saying that the bill strikes at the core of humanity, they described it as “humanity bill”.

The House unanimously voted for the bill to be passed for a second time.

The speaker referred the bill to a joint committee on housing, women affairs, girl child and humanitarian support services for further consideration and to submit their report on Tuesday, 13th February, 2024.