By Lanre Oloyede
In a renewed call for inclusive governance and equitable service delivery, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to adopt deliberate inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Hon. Abba Isa made the call during a brief but symbolic ceremony where the Managing Director of FHA Mortgage Bank, Engr. Hayatou Atiku, formally handed over documents for stalls allotment with branded umbrellas, to three beneficiaries from the disability community.
The stalls are located at the Express View Estate, Lugbe, along Airport Road, Abuja.
According to the Senior Presidential Aide, the event marks yet another milestone in deepening strategic partnerships between his office and progressive institutions such as the FHA Mortgage Bank, with the common goal of uplifting one of the most marginalized demographics in society.
“The essence of this initiative is to consolidate collaboration that drives impact for the benefit of PWDs,” Abba Isa stated. “It reflects the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda seeks to guarantee a life of dignity, productivity, and inclusion for every Nigerian, regardless of ability.”
He further emphasized that this gesture by the FHA Mortgage Bank aligns with the administration’s ongoing push for social and economic empowerment for PWDs, and challenged other MDAs and parastatals to emulate this gesture by mainstreaming disability inclusion in their programs, services, and policies.
The Managing Director of FHA Mortgage Bank, Engr. Hayatou Atiku, reiterated the institution’s commitment to inclusion, describing the donation as a form of sustainable economic empowerment for PWDs. “This is our modest way of integrating persons with disabilities into the national economy and supporting their livelihood,” Atiku said.
The three beneficiaries, who received business stalls at the Lugbe open market, were also presented with documentation and umbrellas to aid their new entrepreneurial journey. The stalls are expected to significantly boost their daily income and economic self-reliance.
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Lanre Oloyede, Director of Media and Communications in the Office of the SSA to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, commended Engr. Atiku for his inclusive leadership and expressed gratitude for the bank’s efforts in championing disability rights.
He noted that President Tinubu had specifically mandated Hon. Abba Isa to liaise with MDAs, sub-national governments, CSOs, donor agencies, OPDs, and development partners to open avenues for PWD inclusion across all sectors. “What we witnessed today is a practical fulfillment of that mandate. This is how we build an inclusive society where no one is left behind,” he said.
The event reinforces the growing momentum behind disability inclusion in Nigeria, and underscores the commitment of the Tinubu administration to economic empowerment and social justice for all.
