11/06/2026
11th June, 2026
𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗟𝗦𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗟𝗔𝗪 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗘𝗗: 𝗖𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗜, 𝗕𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗟𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗟𝗬, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
The Centre for Disability Rights, Empowerment & Development—CDRED has hailed the signing of the Bayelsa State Disability Law by Governor Senator Douye Diri as a historic milestone for disability rights, social justice, and inclusive development in Bayelsa State.
In a statement issued in Government House Yenagoa, CDRED noted that the Governor's assent to the law marks the successful conclusion of a long advocacy journey and the beginning of a new chapter for persons with disabilities across the state.
CDRED expressed deep appreciation to Governor Diri for his compassionate leadership, noting that the signing of the law further demonstrates his administration's dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. The organisation equally commended the Bayelsa State House of Assembly — particularly Speaker Abraham Ingobere, Hon. Monday Edwin Obolo, bill sponsor Hon. Daniel Charles, and Hon. Ayibanengiyefa Egba, for their support throughout the legislative process. CDRED also recognized the contributions of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment and Social Development who played a critical role in bringing this legislation to fruition.
According to CDRED, the enactment of the law is a collective achievement that deserves celebration by all persons with disabilities and every organization.
Highlighting its role in the process, CDRED noted that it closely followed and constructively engaged the legislative process from advocacy to passage, and was present in the Hallowed Chambers of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly on the day the bill was passed. The organisation was also represented at the EXCO Chambers during which His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, assented to the law, reflecting its sustained involvement and participation throughout the legislative and executive stages of the process.
As the state moves into the implementation phase, CDRED called on all stakeholders to embrace unity, mutual respect, and constructive engagement. The organisation emphasized that this is a time to build partnerships, not divisions; a time to focus on opportunities, not differences.
CDRED reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the government in supporting the effective implementation of the Agency, drawing on its experience in disability rights, policy advocacy, and constructive engagement.
CDRED expressed confidence that the law will significantly improve access to opportunities, strengthen the protection of rights, promote inclusion, and enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities across Bayelsa State.
The organisation concluded with the following message:
"The law has been passed. The law has been signed. The task before us now is to ensure that its promises become realities in the lives of the people it was enacted to serve."
