PLATEAU STATE MAKES HISTORY ON DISABILITY-INCLUSION
GOVERNOR MUTFWANG APPLAUDED FOR PIONEERING IMPLEMENTATION OF UNCRPD, SDGs, AND 2025 GDS AMAAN-BERLIN DECLARATION
The Pioneers of Nigeria’s National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Change Advocates (an Ad Hoc Consortium), led by Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson—Chairperson, BoT JONAPWD Nigeria and the Mother of Nigeria’s Disability Civil Rights Movement—congratulates His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State, for appointing Mr. Hosea K. Bitrus, a renowned disability rights advocate, as Permanent Secretary in the Plateau State Civil Service.
This appointment is a historic first—both in Nigeria and across Africa—signaling the practical implementation of the 2025 Global Disability Summit Amaan-Berlin Declaration, which calls for full inclusion and leadership of persons with disabilities in public governance.
Alongside Mr. Bitrus K. Hosea, the other Permanent Secretaries appointed by the Governor of Plateau State on merit are Mr. Stephen Davou Daniel, Mr. Lohnan Vongsen Gambo, Mr. Tiesman Kenneth Beunyen, and Mr. John Danjuma Damenkyap.
Governor Mutfwang’s bold decision affirms Plateau State’s continued leadership in disability rights, aligning with key global frameworks, including:
- The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
- The National Disability Act 2018
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly the pledge to “leave no one behind.”
Mr. Bitrus, affectionately known as “Kelly,” was the first Secretary of the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission. His impeccable track record in transparency, grassroots advocacy, and inclusive development makes his elevation both timely and strategic. This move reflects a shift from outdated charity and medical models of disability to a rights-based, participatory approach in line with the global disability movement.
Chief Eric C. Ufom, President/CEO of Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International (ERPWDI), USA—who was born in Jos, Plateau State—described Mr. Bitrus as:
“A change agent and pillar in global and national disability reforms, with landmark contributions in peacebuilding, STEM education, environmental advocacy, and inclusive development.”
Job Napoleon, convener of the Pioneers Consortium, added:
“Governor has set another legacy by proving that persons with disabilities are not passive recipients of inclusion but capable leaders driving national transformation. Mr. Bitrus brings integrity, innovation, and global competence to Plateau’s executive leadership.”
A Legacy of Firsts: Plateau State’s Disability Rights Milestones
2005: Plateau State became the first state in Nigeria—ahead of both federal and state counterparts—to enact, pass, and sign into law a Disability Rights Law. This landmark effort was championed through a collaboration involving Gallaudet University (Washington, DC), the University of Jos, JONAPWD Plateau State Chapter, and the broader Plateau State disability community.
2013: Plateau State once again made history by establishing the first Disability Rights Commission in Nigeria and appointing its inaugural Governing Board. To the glory of God, Mr. Bitrus K. Hosea was appointed as the first Commission Secretary. This initiative was led by ERPWDI-USA, ERPWDI-Nigeria, the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs, and other stakeholders.
June 16, 2016: At the United Nations Headquarters, New York (Conference Room 11), the “Inauguration of Nigeria’s Disability-Inclusive New Rural Development Paradigm” was held. This event also introduced the Inclusion and Sustainable New Community Model, inspired by the Republic of Korea’s Saemaul Undong Movement.
2016: Plateau State appointed the second set of Governing Board members for the State Disability Rights Commission. Once again, Mr. Hosea served as Secretary until he was later redeployed to the Forestry Ministry. This phase was championed by ERPWDI, the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs, the Plateau State Ministry of Information, and the Commission itself, under the leadership of Mr. Hosea.
March 13, 2017: Under the leadership of Mr. Hosea, Plateau State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ERPWDI-USA and ERPWDI-Nigeria to participate in the UNDP’s South-South Cooperation project, jointly supported by the Republic of Korea’s KOICA. The initiative focused on Disability-Inclusive Rural Development, STEM Education, Silicon Valley-inspired innovation, and technology expansion in Nigeria and across Africa.
June 14, 2017: At the 10th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the UNCRPD, held at the UN Headquarters in New York, a side event titled “Nigerian/African Diasporas and the Presidency’s Role in Breaking Barriers to CRPD Implementation” featured Nigeria’s contributions and Mr. Hosea’s efforts.
November 20, 2017 (UN Africa Industrialization Day): A diplomatic meeting was held with UNDP Nigeria’s then-Country Director, Dr. Samuel Bwalya, on the implementation of the Saemaul Initiative Towards Sustainable and Inclusive New Communities (ISNC). Discussions focused on inaugurating the Country Project Steering Committee, tasked with approving state-level work plans and monitoring progress across Anambra, Plateau, all 36 Nigerian states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Lake Chad Basin countries—including Niger Republic, Chad, and Cameroon. This effort was led by ERPWDI and allies in accordance with UNDP’s global project framework. (Letter Reference No: ADM/1441/31/10/2017).
The Governor’s appointment of Mr. Bitrus is expected to inspire similar reforms across Nigeria and Africa in alignment with the 2025 Global Disability Summit, UN Pact for the Future, and other international instruments.
In a formal letter of appreciation dated May 20, 2025, Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International (ERPWDI-USA) commended Governor Mutfwang and recognized the efforts of other Plateau State leaders including the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, the Chief of Staff, and the Executive Director of the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission for their roles in facilitating this landmark appointment. The Governor’s approval of the ongoing reforms and amendment of the Plateau State Disability Rights Law, 2005, is another milestone that showcases the administration of Mutfwang as a truly inclusive democratic government.
About the Pioneers of Nigeria’s National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Change Advocates (Ad Hoc Consortium)
We are a coalition of Civil Society and Disabled Persons Organizations advocating for full implementation of disability rights laws and treaties through participatory policy reform, inclusive governance, and social justice for all persons with disabilities in Nigeria and globally.
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