In a significant push toward advancing disability rights in Nigeria, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, held a key meeting on September 17, 2024, with prominent disability rights advocates. Among them was Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, widely regarded as the “Mother of the Disability Civil Rights Movement” and Life Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).
The meeting also included Mr. Job Napoleon Agbor, leader of the Pioneers of Nigeria’s National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement, and was seen as a pivotal moment in driving forward a more inclusive agenda for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. This gathering signals a renewed focus on elevating disability issues and fostering grassroots participation across the country.
Mr. Agbor, a key figure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, joined in discussions that aim to reshape disability advocacy in the nation. Central to the conversation was the “PARADIGM SHIFT” initiative, part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda. This initiative aims to tackle the deep-rooted challenges faced by PWDs, many of which have persisted due to neglect by previous administrations.
Hon. Abba Isa expressed the government’s commitment to creating lasting solutions for the PWD community. He emphasized that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, there is a strong drive to reverse years of exclusion and bring persons with disabilities into the fold of national development.
At the heart of this strategy is the forthcoming “Village Movement”—a community-driven initiative that aims to ensure that PWDs not only benefit from but actively contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth. This grassroots movement is designed to foster inclusion from the bottom up, engaging local communities in the fight for equal opportunities.
Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson welcomed the renewed attention on disability issues, calling the meeting a “milestone” in the journey toward true inclusion. She expressed optimism, saying, “This marks the beginning of a new era. Through grassroots action and a focus on community, we are reclaiming our future.”
This important meeting sets the stage for stronger partnerships between government leaders, civil society, and the disability community. With the “PARADIGM SHIFT” initiative leading the way, there is hope that the voices of PWDs will be heard more clearly, their needs addressed more comprehensively, and their rights protected under the law.
As Nigeria works towards building a more inclusive society, this engagement highlights the crucial role that community-based movements will play in ensuring that no one is left behind. The Tinubu administration remains committed to fostering a nation where every citizen, regardless of ability, has access to equal opportunities and the chance to thrive.
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