Benin City – Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has pledged continued implementation of the state’s disability laws during an event marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD 2025) in Benin City. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Musa Ikilor, the governor said the administration will empower the newly inaugurated Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (EDSCPD) to drive inclusion in government programmes and policies.
The commission was launched on March 26, 2025 to strengthen advocacy and address the needs of vulnerable groups. Governor Okpebholo invoked moral teachings from the Holy Bible and the Quran, condemning discrimination against persons with disabilities and urging citizens to respect and implement disability laws in everyday life.
“Beyond laws, people need to connect and understand that persons living with disabilities have to be respected. As a people and as a society, we need to care for persons with disabilities in our midst, and ensure they are considered in what we do and do our best to support their wellbeing,” he said.
He appealed for strong support systems that guarantee access to public buildings, employment opportunities and a caring society for the vulnerable, adding, “I want to assure the commission that the Edo State Government will continue to support all persons with disabilities and tackle the challenges they face.”
Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo State, Ann Ojugo, called for practical inclusion in key sectors such as healthcare and education, commending the government for providing N200,000 each to over 200 persons with disabilities to start small businesses. “We want inclusion in our homes, schools, health sector, and the entire economy. Inclusion should be practical, not just on paper,” she said.
Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesiri Anani Okpebholo, represented by Special Adviser on Health Dr. Andrew Iyamu, affirmed that the administration believes disability is not inability and that every citizen deserves a seat at the governance table. She noted that the creation of the disability commission is a landmark achievement reflecting the government’s commitment to leaving no one behind and pledged continued championing of initiatives in education, healthcare and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to Governor Okpebholo, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and the Secretary to the State Government in recognition of their contributions to the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
Signed: Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, 6‑12‑25.
