Governor Douye Diri has signed the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Bill and the Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital (BMUTH) Bill into law.
The governor assented to both bills on Wednesday during the 188th State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri described the PWDs legislation as a landmark law promoting dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
He said the law guarantees fair treatment for all Bayelsans, regardless of their physical condition or disability status.
The governor commended Charles Daniel, sponsor of the bill, for his persistence and commitment to disability rights.
Diri described the legislation as one of the finest bills ever passed by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
He also praised Speaker Abraham Ingobere and members of the Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill.
The governor noted that the law would address the exclusion of persons with disabilities from public and private infrastructure across the state.
He explained that government had earlier planned an executive bill on disability rights before adopting the private member bill sponsored by Daniel.
Diri said his administration had consistently supported persons with disabilities even before the legislation was enacted.
He stressed that development should not be measured only by physical projects but also by the inclusion of vulnerable groups in society.
The governor acknowledged the appreciation expressed by disability groups for government efforts to improve their welfare and recognition.
The new law is expected to strengthen protection, accessibility, and inclusion for persons living with disabilities in Bayelsa State.
On the BMUTH Bill, Diri said the legislation formally establishes a teaching hospital for the Bayelsa Medical University.
He explained that the law resolves years of debate over the need for a second teaching hospital in the state.
According to the governor, a medical university cannot function effectively without a dedicated teaching hospital for training and research.
Earlier, Speaker Ingobere said the PWDs Bill was first introduced on October 15, 2024, and passed on March 18, 2026.
He disclosed that the law provides for a disability agency headed by a part-time chairman appointed by the governor.
The agency’s day-to-day operations would be managed by a Director-General who must be a person living with disability.
Ingobere said the agency would ensure accessibility to public transport, public buildings, and parking facilities for persons with disabilities.
He added that one out of every ten seats in public buses would be reserved for physically challenged persons.
Designated spaces would also be clearly marked and reserved for persons with disabilities in public parking areas.
Speaking on behalf of disability groups, Mayor Doutiminariye praised the governor for signing the bill into law.
Doutiminariye described the action as a major breakthrough for persons living with disabilities in the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Diri announced the dissolution of the board of Bayelsa United F.C. following the club’s relegation from the NPFL to the NNL.
He also sacked the club’s technical crew as part of efforts to reposition the team.
The governor said an interim management committee would be constituted to oversee the club’s reorganisation.
He expressed confidence that the team would return to the top flight of Nigerian football as quickly as possible.
Diri directed all affected board members, coaches, and officials to hand over club property in their possession to the Sports Development Commissioner without delay.
