The Edo State Government on Wednesday unveiled a simplified version of its disability rights law for persons living with disabilities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony organised by the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities,
the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in the state.

Ikhilor, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr Ohunyon Ekikioya, noted that the strength of any society lies not only in its physical structures but also in the extent to which it guarantees equal opportunities for all citizens.

According to him, laws are enacted to protect rights, guide conduct, and promote justice, but their true value lies not only in their enactment but also in their accessibility and practical application.

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“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.

“The Edo State Government remains resolute in its commitment to fostering an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are not viewed through the lens of dependency or limitation,” he said.

He commended the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities for its advocacy and commitment to advancing disability inclusion in the state.

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Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr Theophilus Egbodion, said the simplified version of the law would help educate persons with disabilities and enable them to better understand their rights.

In his goodwill message, Mr Melody Omosah, Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), advocated the establishment of radio programmes to promote public awareness of disability rights.

Omosah, while highlighting Section 18 of the state disability law, stated that education is a fundamental right for persons with disabilities from primary school to university level.

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He further explained that the simplified law provides for the establishment of at least one special school in each of the 18 local government areas of the state.

“The law also stipulates that there should be at least one special school in every local government area. It is an offence for parents or guardians to deny children with disabilities access to education by keeping them out of school,” he said.

One of the participants, Mr Ovenseri Iduozee, thanked the state government for enacting the law, saying it would help persons with disabilities realise that they enjoy the same rights and opportunities as other citizens.

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has felicitated the traditional ruler of Okochiri Kingdom in Rivers State, His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday celebration.

In a felicitation message issued by Igoniko Oduma, his Special Assistant on Media, Otuaro described King Ateke as a great leader who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of not only his community but the Niger Delta in general.

He noted that the Rivers monarch, who is also the ‘Sekuro of the Niger Delta’, has contributed so much to the peace, stability, security and development of the region.

According to him, King Ateke has continued to perform his royal duties with passion and dedication since he ascended the throne, stressing that his footprints of service to the people are visible in Okochiri Kingdom.

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Dr Otuaro expressed his deep respect for the traditional institution and acknowledged the important role of royal fathers in community development.

He reiterated that traditional rulers are among critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta that the PAP would always engage and collaborate with, to strengthen the programme’s peace-building process in the region.

While celebrating King Ateke for attaining the milestone, the PAP boss urged the good people of Okochiri Kingdom to continually support him and his council of chiefs to sustain the peace and progress of the community.

He prayed that God Almighty would give King Ateke more wisdom, renewed strength, good health and long life.

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He said, “Today, I join family, friends and all people of goodwill, as well as sons and daughters of the Niger Delta, to heartily celebrate the King of Okochiri Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.

“Attaining this milestone is a proof of God’s mercy and grace upon the life of King Ateke. He is a worthy traditional ruler and a great leader who is strongly committed to the unity, peace, and progress of his community.

“We are proud of his huge contributions to the peace, stability, security and development of our region, which cannot be wished away by anybody.

“Since ascending the throne, King Ateke has continued to render commendable service, and lead his people on the path of peace and progress of Okochiri Kingdom. He has also been very supportive of efforts at peacebuilding and development of our region. It is my earnest prayer that God Almighty will grant him more wisdom, renewed strength, good health and long life.”

A view of St. Francis Catholic Church where worshippers were attacked by gunmen during Sunday mass, is pictured in Owo
A view of St. Francis Catholic Church where worshippers were attacked by gunmen during Sunday mass, is pictured in Owo

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced to death four out of the five terrorists who attacked the Saint Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State, in which 43 worshipers were killed.

The four that will die by hanging are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris (20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years), while Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years) was discharged and acquitted of all the charges.

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Justice Emeka Nwite pronounced the four terrorists guilty in the entire 9 count charges and ordered that they be hanged until they died.

The death sentence was pronounced in a judgment delivered by the Judge on Wednesday.

Details later…