Plateau State chapter of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities has called on the state government to urgently fill key disability-related positions, lamenting that several critical offices remain vacant despite existing provisions.
The Chairman of the association, Gotau Kitgak Munbupba, made the call on behalf of the group during a press briefing to mark International Wheelchair Day, where he also advocated the strengthening of institutional frameworks for persons with disabilities in the state.
Munbupba acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing disability inclusion, particularly through leadership at the national level, but stressed that more needs to be done at the state level.
He noted that offices such as Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters, Senior Special Assistant, and Special Assistants across local government areas have remained unfilled.
Certainly, we have provisions for those positions. Unfortunately, they have not been actualised yet. There has been no appointment to that effect, so the positions are still vacant. That necessitated the call for filling those spaces,” Munbupba said.
The chairman explained that the absence of these officials continues to limit effective representation of persons with disabilities in governance and policy processes.
“In the past, the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters was appointed and occupied. A Senior Special Assistant was also considered, and there were Special Assistants across the local governments. But for now, we are still pushing and believing that the governor will do justice to that,” he added.
Beyond the appointments, the association also called for the proper constitution of the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission, describing it as critical to safeguarding the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
Munbupba further urged the government, lawmakers, and relevant stakeholders to prioritise inclusive policies and ensure that public infrastructure is designed to accommodate persons with disabilities.
He also appealed for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance, noting that their participation in decision-making would ensure that policies reflect their needs and realities.
International Wheelchair Day is observed globally to celebrate the role of wheelchairs in enhancing mobility, independence, and access to opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The association said the day not only celebrates resilience but also highlights ongoing challenges, including limited access to mobility aids, inclusive infrastructure, and reliable data on persons with disabilities.
