Taraba Disability Commission Pledges Improved Welfare For members

The chairman, Taraba State Disability Commission, Mr. Ali Mstudi Tenrika, has pledged to prioritise the welfare and well-being of persons with disabilities in the state in order to improve their livelihoods.

Mr. Tenrika, who made the pledge during the inaugural meeting with members of the commission in Jalingo, outlined plans to embark on a statewide tour to ascertain the number of persons with disabilities and to ensure that none is discriminated against.

He explained that the Commission had begun discussions on strategies to strengthen its operations, including embarking on study tours to learn best practices that would enhance it service to persons with disabilities in the state.

According to him, the establishment and constitution of the commission was one of the steps toward ensuring that persons with disabilities are properly recognised and supported.

“We are very happy that the governor has taken the bold step to ensure that people with disabilities are liberated from their sufferings.

“The establishment of this agency is not only a avenue for job creation, but also a platform to empower every person with disabilities in the state.”

Tenrika also expressed gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for what he described as a historic intervention for persons with disabilities in Taraba State.

“My priority is to ensure that no person with disability, whether registered or not, is discriminated against, neglected or marginalised in public institutions and in communities across the state,” he added.

He further disclosed that, the commission plans to identify and engage at least six persons with disabilities in each of the 16 local government areas of the state to ensure inclusiveness in its programmes.

Tenrika noted that before the administration of Governor Kefas, persons with disabilities in the state received little attention from previous governments.

“Before the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, the situation was very pathetic, as no government in the past gave us the level of attention and recognition we are now receiving.

“In the past, what we faced was discrimination. Our people were not given opportunities,” he said.

He explained that disability covers various conditions, including hearing impairment and other forms of physical challenges, and stressed that, people with disabilities require different forms of support depending on their circumstances.

“A person with disability may have hearing deficiency or other challenges. If such a person is educated, he needs employment; if he is semi-literate, he needs empowerment; and if he is an artisan, he also needs support to grow his trade,” Tenrika added.