BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has unveiled a simplified version of the state’s Disability Rights Law aimed at improving awareness, accessibility, and protection of the rights of persons living with disabilities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Benin City on Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Musa Umar Ikhilor, said the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ohunyon Ekikioya, the SSG noted that the true measure of a society lies not only in its infrastructure but also in its ability to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of physical ability.

The programme 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 (RoLAC) Programme.

Ikhilor said while laws are enacted to protect rights and promote justice, their effectiveness depends largely on how accessible and understandable they are to the people they are designed to serve.

According to him, the simplified version of the Disability Rights Law is intended to ensure that persons with disabilities, their families, and the wider public can better understand the provisions of the law and take advantage of its protections.

“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.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are recognised for their abilities and contributions rather than viewed through the lens of limitation.

The SSG also commended the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities for its sustained advocacy and efforts toward advancing disability inclusion in the state.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), Mr. Melody Omosah, called for the introduction of dedicated radio programmes to promote public awareness of disability rights and related issues.

Omosah highlighted provisions of Section 18 of the Disability Rights Law, stressing that education is a fundamental right of persons with disabilities from primary to tertiary levels.

He explained that the law provides for the establishment of at least one special school in each of Edo State’s 18 local government areas to ensure access to education for children with disabilities.

“The law stipulates that there should be at least one special school in every local government area. It is also an offence for parents or guardians to deny children with disabilities access to education by keeping them 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 empower persons with disabilities with a better understanding of their rights and available legal protections.

One of the participants, Mr. Ovenseri Iduozee, expressed appreciation to the state government for enacting and simplifying the law, noting that it would help persons with disabilities realise that they enjoy the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as other citizens.

Signed:

Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo
June 4, 2026