Persons with disabilities in Bayelsa State have called for greater inclusion, opportunities and institutional support, particularly for women, as stakeholders gathered in Yenagoa to commemorate the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day.
The event, held at Dormaris Hotel, was organised by the Do Foundation in collaboration with partners including the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Collins Cocodia Foundation. It brought together women with disabilities, advocates and community leaders to discuss empowerment, mentorship and social inclusion.
Convener of the programme and founder of the Do Foundation, Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry, said the initiative was designed to empower women with disabilities, promote mentorship and highlight the need for stronger institutional support.
She explained that the programme also focused on raising awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities and encouraging their participation in social and economic development.
Goddy-Harry further stressed the need for the passage and implementation of policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities in the state, noting that the proposed Disability Bill would provide legal backing for access to opportunities, dignity and protection.
“This year’s celebration is unique because we and our partners decided to come together to celebrate persons with disabilities. They face several challenges, including discrimination and gender-based violence, and these issues must be addressed,” she said.
A representative of the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, Teddy Bai, encouraged women with disabilities to remain confident and pursue opportunities despite the barriers they face.
He noted that success is not determined by physical ability but by determination, creativity and the willingness to make use of available opportunities.
Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Political Matters, Collins Cocodia, said society must pay greater attention to the needs of persons with disabilities, particularly women who often experience neglect despite their abilities.
He added that mentorship, empowerment initiatives and provision of assistive devices would enable persons with disabilities to participate more actively in community development. Cocodia also announced that his foundation would donate wheelchairs to women with disabilities as part of its support for the initiative.
In her goodwill message, Timinipre Dakolo, wife of the Ibenanaowei of the Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, urged women with disabilities to remain confident and determined.
She noted that disability should not define a person’s worth or limit their ability to achieve success.
The keynote speaker, Benjamin Ogbara, said empowering women with disabilities would strengthen communities and promote greater social inclusion.
Some participants at the programme expressed appreciation to the organisers, noting that the initiative had given them renewed hope and motivation.
One of the participants, Rachel Tamama, said the programme encouraged women with disabilities to believe in themselves despite discrimination often faced in workplaces.
Another participant, Tari Onyije, urged government and private organisations to create more opportunities through education, employment and support programmes.
She added that persons with disabilities should be treated with dignity and given equal opportunities to contribute to society.
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