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Rivers State Establishes Disability & Gender Desk Offices Across 31 MDAs, Approves Capacity-Building Training In Partnership With TAF Africa

TAF AFRICA PRESS STATEMENT

TAF Africa is pleased to announce a major milestone in the advancement of disability-inclusive governance in Rivers State, as the Head of the Civil Service has formally established Disability and Gender Desk Offices across 31 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). In addition, 31 officers have been nominated to serve as Disability and Gender Desk Officers, one in each MDA, indicating a substantial step in mainstreaming disability inclusion in government systems, policies, and service delivery.

This milestone achievement is in response to TAF Africa’s advocacy visit to the Office of the Head of Service, where we called for deliberate institutional frameworks to entrench disability inclusion in governance at all levels. The swift and affirmative response of the Rivers State Government demonstrates a renewed commitment to upholding the rights, dignity, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in public life.

Furthermore, the Head of Service has approved TAF Africa’s capacity-building training for the nominated Desk Officers as part of the Disability Inclusive Governance Project in Rivers State, funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF). The training, scheduled for the 24th and 25th of November 2025, will equip the officers with practical knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively champion disability inclusion within their respective MDAs, ensuring that government programs, policies, and services reflect accessibility, equity, and non-discrimination.

Through this institutionalization of Disability and Gender Desk Offices, Rivers State sets a progressive example for other states, reinforcing the importance of inclusive governance as a catalyst for development. This collaborative step between the state government and TAF Africa is expected to strengthen accountability, promote inclusive policy implementation, and enhance service delivery for citizens with disabilities across the state.

TAF Africa commends on the Head of the Civil Service of Rivers State for this decisive action and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the state in achieving full compliance with national and international disability rights standards. With the establishment of these desks and the approved capacity-building program, Rivers State is charting a transformative path toward a government system that is truly disability inclusive.

Signed:
Ambassador Jake Epelle Fnipr
CEO/Founder
TAF Africa

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