By Israel Joel
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong on Friday said that his passion for people living with a disability is very deep.

Lalong made this known when the Management of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities paid him a visit to Jos  Plateau State to appreciate his passion for people living with disabilities in Plateau State and the nation as a whole.

Led by its Executive Secretary Mr. James Lalu, the Commission said it was highly appreciative of the role played by the Governor towards the establishment of the Agency, having worked for its establishment in Plateau State while he was Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

Lalu said the Governor has also matched words with action in recruiting people living with disabilities to manage the Commission in the State unlike the situation in many States where this category of persons is marginalized.

The Executive Secretary said Governor Lalong has also appointed persons living with disabilities into his cabinet as well as ensured that others are carried along in all empowerment and entrepreneurship programs.

Responding, Governor Lalong expressed gratitude to the Commission for recognizing his modest contributions towards addressing the challenges of people living with disabilities.

He said his passion for people living with disabilities is deep as he believes that anyone can be in the situation they find themselves in.

Disability Group Calls for Inclusion of PWDs In States Panels Of Inquiries

” I always put issues around people living with disabilities on the highest priority. We all know that no one became disabled by his own choice. For some, they were born like that and for others, they became disabled later in life. That is why those of us who are physically able should not discriminate against them or consider them less human beings. A lot of them have special gifts that surpass those of us who consider ourselves able” he said.

Governor Lalong, therefore, called on other State Governments who have not established such Commissions should go ahead and do so without further delay to be able to address the plight of this category of people.

He assured the Executive Secretary of the National Disability Commission of his support for ensuring he succeeds in this assignment.

A statement signed by  Simon Macham the Director of Press and  Public Affairs to Lalong further reads that they were presented a cake to the Governor to mark his 58th birthday.