By Lanre Oloyede
The Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, have commended The Ability Life Initiative (TALI), the organizers of the Art For Ability: Creative Inclusion and Enterprise Auction for promoting the empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the creative industry.
Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila described the initiative as one that goes beyond artistic expression to embody dignity, opportunity, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s creative sector is not only a cultural asset but also a powerful economic driver with immense capacity for job creation, economic diversification, and poverty reduction.
He noted that industries such as Nollywood, music, digital content, fashion, and visual arts continue to expand rapidly, providing employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians without the need for heavy industrial infrastructure.
According to him, the sector contributed approximately 1.2 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as of 2022—amounting to over ₦1.3 trillion—and employs more than four million people, with projections indicating it could reach $100 billion in GDP contribution by 2030.
Gbajabiamila commended key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, and private sector partners such as Woodhall Capital, the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM Bank), and Nike Art Gallery, for their collaborative efforts in advancing the initiative.
He also acknowledged the critical role of the SSA to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon Mohammed Abba Isa, noting that its synergy with partners has created a platform where “talent meets capital and dreams meet reality.”
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to inclusive development and the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
In his goodwill message, Hon. Abba Isa praised The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) for its consistent efforts in advancing the rights, dignity, and socio-economic inclusion of PWDs across Nigeria. He noted that the initiative exemplifies a shift from advocacy to tangible empowerment.
He further highlighted that showcasing the talents of persons with disabilities is not merely an artistic exercise but a powerful statement that challenges outdated perceptions and reinforces a new narrative centered on ability, innovation, and excellence.
“The creative industry today stands as one of the most dynamic drivers of our economy,” Abba Isa said. “When we empower persons with disabilities within this space, we unlock potential, nurture dreams, and create pathways for sustainable livelihoods.”
The presidential aide emphasized the need to break the long-standing link between disability and poverty, stressing that the challenge has always been lack of opportunity rather than lack of capability.
He reiterated that the establishment of his office reflects the administration’s resolve to bridge this gap and ensure equitable access to opportunities for PWDs.
According to the organizers, proceeds from the art exhibition and auction of the artworks will be used to provide seed grants to entrepreneurs with disabilities across Nigeria. The Office of the SSA and TALI will jointly oversee the disbursement and utilization of these funds to ensure transparency and impact.
In their welcome remarks, TALI Co-founders, Oprah Uzodimma-Ohaneri and Prada Uzodimma, emphasized that persons with disabilities deserve more than awareness—they deserve access, investment, dignity, and opportunities to thrive.
They stressed that the event was not merely an art exhibition but a platform for creating access and driving sustainable empowerment.
“Art is not just about what hangs on walls. It is about creating opportunity and moving from charity to lasting economic inclusion for persons with disabilities,” they said.
