FIC Report (Edo State) – Edo State Government has unveiled a simplified version of its Disability Rights Law to enhance awareness and protection of the rights of persons living with disabilities across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Benin City on Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Musa Umar Ikhilor, said the initiative was designed to strengthen the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and promote greater inclusion in society.
Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ohunyon Ekikioya, the SSG noted that the true strength of any society lies not only in its infrastructure but also in its ability to guarantee equal opportunities for all citizens.
The event was organised by the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities with support from the Network for the Advancement of People with Disabilities (NAPVID) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.
Ikhilor explained that while laws are enacted to protect rights, guide conduct and promote justice, their effectiveness depends on how accessible and understandable they are to the people they serve.
According to him, the simplified version of the disability rights law will make its provisions easier for persons with disabilities, their families and the general public to understand.
“The simplification of the disability rights law is a thoughtful and commendable initiative aimed at ensuring that its provisions are better understood by citizens, particularly persons with disabilities and their families.
“By doing so, we are strengthening public awareness, encouraging compliance, and empowering citizens with the knowledge required to claim and protect their rights within the framework of the law,” he said.
The SSG reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are not viewed through the lens of dependency or limitation.
He also commended the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities for its sustained advocacy and dedication to advancing disability inclusion in the state.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Director of NAPVID, Mr. Melody Omosah, called for the establishment of radio programmes to increase public awareness of disability rights and the provisions of the law.
Highlighting Section 18 of the law, Omosah said education is a fundamental right of persons with disabilities from primary school to university level.
He disclosed that the law provides for the establishment of at least one special school in each of the 18 local government areas of the state and makes it an offence for parents or guardians to deny children with disabilities access to education.
“The law stipulates that there should be at least one special school in every local government area. It is an offence for parents or guardians to keep children with disabilities out of school,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Theophilus Egbodion, said the simplified law would help educate persons with disabilities and enable them to better understand and exercise their rights.
One of the participants, Mr. Ovenseri Iduozee, expressed appreciation to the state government for enacting the law, noting that it would help persons with disabilities recognise that they enjoy the same rights and opportunities as every other citizen.
The unveiling is part of the Edo State Government’s broader efforts to promote inclusion, equality and social justice for persons with disabilities across the state.
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
June 4th, 2026
