Tinubu’s Aide Abba Isa Engages SGF on Disability Inclusion, Inclusive Governance
By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has held a strategic engagement with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) George Akume, CON, and the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, on strengthening disability inclusion and inclusive governance in Nigeria.
The high-level meeting, which took place at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, focused on advancing the inclusion of disability perspectives and requirements in all aspects of governance and national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
During the closed-door engagement, discussions centred on deepening institutional collaboration between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that policies, programmes and interventions of government adequately reflect the needs and aspirations of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The deliberations also explored strategies for enhancing the seamless operations of the Office of the SSA and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to promote accessibility, equal opportunities and social protection for vulnerable groups across the country.
Speaking during the engagement, the SGF reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to building an inclusive governance system that guarantees equal participation and opportunities for all Nigerians, irrespective of physical ability.
He noted that the Renewed Hope administration remains committed to mainstreaming disability inclusion across MDAs and ensuring that government policies and programmes are implemented with consideration for accessibility and inclusiveness.
Hon. Abba Isa briefed the SGF on the mandate entrusted to his office by President Tinubu, which includes proactively creating avenues for the inclusion of disability perspectives and requirements in governance through sustained liaison with federal and sub-national institutions.
He further highlighted the efforts of his office in creating a disability-friendly environment through strategic collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), development partners and other critical stakeholders.
The presidential aide also commended the SGF for the overwhelming support and encouragement his office has continued to receive in the discharge of its responsibilities.
According to him, the support from the Office of the SGF has significantly strengthened ongoing efforts aimed at promoting equal opportunities, accessibility, empowerment and inclusive national development for Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria.
The meeting is expected to further consolidate collaboration between the Office of the SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities and the Office of the SGF towards advancing inclusive governance and sustainable development in the country.
