By Lanre Oloyede
In a spectacular celebration marked by glitz, glamour, and excitement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, on Wednesday officially unveiled the Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP) and inaugurated its board and executive members.
The unveiling signified the launch of a strategic partnership between the AAP and the office of the SSAP, aimed at championing disability inclusion and promoting accessibility across Nigeria.
The high-profile event, which took place in Abuja, showcased the commitment of both the AAP and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSAP) to ensuring that accessibility becomes a core component of Nigeria’s social and physical landscape.
This move marks a significant step forward in the implementation of Nigeria’s National Disability Act and the promotion of disability inclusion and accessibility across the nation.
The partnership between the two entities is poised to drive policy changes and increase the visibility of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in public life.
A Visionary Mandate
In his inaugural speech, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa emphasized the importance of accessibility in achieving full inclusion for PWDs in Nigeria.
The Senior presidential aide noted that it is impossible to achieve inclusion without accessibility, stressing that accessibility leads to participation, and participation results in inclusion.
The SSAP further stressed that the major component of the National Disability Act is accessibility, highlighting that once accessibility is achieved, other related issues will be resolved.
Hon. Abba Isa declared that the unveiling of the AAP represents the start of the full implementation of the National Disability Act, as the 5-year moratorium for compliance has ended.
He added that the formation of the AAP aligns with the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the inclusion of PWDs’ needs in government policies and programs.
According to him, the AAP will serve as a bridge between the government and society, pushing for the implementation of the National Disability Act in both public and private spaces.
Hon. Abba Isa, lauded the quality and caliber of the professionals within the AAP, acknowledging their potential to drive meaningful change.
*Founder’s Remarks: Bridging a Crucial Gap*
Speaking at the event, Barr. Yusuf Iyodo, the Founder and Pioneer Board Chairman of AAP, expressed his joy at the successful formation of the association. He said the initiative is one of its kind in West Africa.
He commended the SSA, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, for his instrumental role in supporting the establishment of the association.
He noted that the association stems from the need to fill the gaps in Nigeria’s environmental and accessibility frameworks which was in alignment with the mandate given to the SSA by Mr. President to create a disability-friendly environment which is accessible to all.
His words underscored the urgent need for concerted action to improve accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
Barr. Iyodo emphasized that AAP will lead the charge in transforming Nigeria’s built environment to be more inclusive.
President’s Vision: Advocating for Change and Collaboration
The Pioneer President of AAP, Mr. David Onuh Attah, in his address, laid out a bold vision for the association. He vowed to work closely with the executive committee to ensure that the association promotes best practices and drives forward the accessibility agenda in all sectors.
“Our focus will be on promoting best practices by developing and disseminating resources and guidelines that facilitate accessibility sector development. We will also advocate for policy changes that align with accessibility initiatives, and foster collaboration with businesses, government agencies, and organizations to create inclusive environments,” Attah explained.
He emphasized the association’s commitment to engaging policymakers, advocating for the rights of PWDs, and fostering partnerships to ensure that the unique needs of communities are addressed through innovative solutions.
Supporting Accessibility with Expertise
Engr. Dr. Aishatu A. Umar, a prominent member and international accessibility expert, pledged her technical support to the association. Dr. Umar’s influence and expertise are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that the association achieves its goals.
Speaking also, a member of the Board, Mr. Adewale Olasoji Ebenezer, assured attendees that he would leverage his experience at the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, NCPWD, to support accessibility and inclusion for PWDs in Nigeria.
He urged members to collaborate and work toward eliminating discrimination against PWDs, with a special focus on accessibility.
He called for unity among members of the association to ensure that PWDs face zero discrimination and enjoy equal access in all spheres of life.
Strategic Partnership
The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the AAP and the Office of the SSAP, solidifying their partnership.
About the AAP
Association of Accessibility Professionals is a duly registered Association with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, comprising of professionals from all walks of life With the objective of promoting disability inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
Objectives of the Association
The AAP has set clear objectives aimed at fostering accessibility and inclusion. These include:
a) To promote disability inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility.
b) To provide a forum, resources and continuing education to learn and share ideas about accessibility in the built environment.
c) To promote membership needs and organizational growth and enhance professional accessibility development.
d) To facilitate training of members and the public on accessibility framework and promote accessibility professionalism through education, training, networking, and certification.
e) To facilitate sensitization of members and the public on accessibility frameworks and promote accessibility professionalism through education, training, networking, and certification.
f) To promote professional workforce that is skilled in diversity and inclusion and the provision of professional accessibility resources, compliance and services to all regardless of disability
Board Members
The Board members of the newly inaugurated AAP include:
- Yusuf Achenyo Iyodo – Chairman
- Agulanna Solomon Ezenwa – Secretary
- Adewale Olasoji Ebenezer – Member
- Onuoha Victor Sunday – Member
- Alilu Abdlmutalib – Member
- Engr. Okoh Blessing Oka – Member
- Jibril Muhammadu – Member
- Engr. Umoette Saviour Udo – Member
- Rilwan Mohammed Abdullahi – Member
