At a special 60th birthday thanksgiving service held on Sunday, April 13, at the RCCG Palace of Joy Parish in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju was honored for his exceptional contributions to the disability community in Nigeria. The event, attended by friends, family, and community leaders, featured a heartfelt tribute by Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Olanrewaju Adeola, Executive Secretary of the Cheshire Disability Home, who praised Adeyanju as a beacon of resilience, leadership, and service.
Pastor Adeola described Adeyanju as a man of vision and courage—an individual who never accepts defeat and continues to break barriers for persons with disabilities. Through relentless advocacy, he has helped shape policies and influence social change, ensuring greater equity, representation, and opportunities for people with disabilities across the country.
One of Adeyanju’s most impactful achievements is his ability to unite different clusters within the disability community—including individuals with hearing, visual, intellectual, and physical impairments. Under his leadership, these groups have found common ground and a stronger, more unified voice in national conversations about disability rights.
Despite his influence, Adeyanju remains a model of humility. Pastor Adeola praised his steady character, noting that he has never allowed titles or recognition to change him. Like a true servant leader, he continues to work quietly behind the scenes, lifting others and advocating for justice without seeking personal gain.
The celebration was not only a milestone for Adeyanju but also a reminder of the work still to be done. Pastor Adeola encouraged attendees to follow his example—standing up for inclusion, accessibility, and dignity for all. At 60, Adewale Adeyanju’s legacy continues to inspire a movement of hope, courage, and transformation in Nigeria’s disability community.
During the thanksgiving service, Adewale Elisha Adeyanju also shared his life story and journey as a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. Marking his 60th birthday, he reflected on the challenges he faced after losing his hearing at the age of seven and how those experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to fighting discrimination and promoting equal rights for persons with disabilities.
He recounted his early involvement in advocacy, from his school days through his professional life as a teacher, writer, and public speaker. Adeyanju also highlighted his work with special needs students, his efforts to raise awareness through publications like The Carer, and his collaborations with experts to organize workshops and support affected individuals in court. His dedication spans more than three decades and includes impactful experiences across various African countries.
Through his NGOs—NAHCAN and Signlangcom&tech—Adewale has played a key role in advancing disability rights in Nigeria, contributing to the passage of the Nigerian Disability Law in 2018. Despite this achievement, he expressed concern over the lack of implementation and the continued exclusion of persons with disabilities. He reaffirmed his commitment to the cause and urged both society and the government to do more to create an inclusive and just environment for all, noting, “As a Christian, I believe there’s no disability in heaven.”
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