By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has inaugurated the various Planning Committees for the forthcoming First National Conference of Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria.
Conducting the inauguration, the Senior Presidential Aide congratulated all the Heads and Members of the Committees, describing their appointment as a “noble call to national duty.”
“Out of many, you have been found worthy of this noble call to national duty. I commend you sincerely for accepting this clarion call to serve your nation and the entire disability community at such a historic time. Your inclusion in these Committees is a testament to your proven capacity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of disability inclusion in Nigeria,” he said.
Hon. Abba Isa also extended appreciation to all partners and collaborators who have continued to work closely with his office in driving the vision of inclusion and equal opportunities for all, describing their support for the forthcoming Conference as “invaluable and deeply appreciated.”
He emphasized that the First National Conference of Persons with Disabilities is not just another gathering but a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey towards equity, inclusion, and empowerment.
According to him, the Conference aligns squarely with the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure the inclusion of disability requirements and perspectives in all aspects of national development.
“This is a direct reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, which prioritizes the inclusion, protection, and empowerment of all Nigerians, including persons with disabilities,” he added.
Hon. Abba Isa commended President Tinubu for signing the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa—popularly known as the African Disability Protocol—which came into force in May 2024. He noted that the creation of the Office of the SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities further demonstrates the President’s exceptional leadership and commitment to the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
“This bold action not only enshrines Nigeria’s commitment to the protection of disability rights on the continent but also places our nation at the vanguard of transformative change for over 30 million Nigerians living with disabilities, and millions more across Africa,” he said.
Since assuming office on November 9, 2023, Hon. Abba Isa said his office has remained steadfast in implementing the President’s vision through reforms addressing education, healthcare, employment, accessibility, and political participation for persons with disabilities.
Addressing the newly inaugurated members, the SSA charged them to approach their task with passion, integrity, and unity of purpose.
“Organizing a national conference of this magnitude demands dedication, unity, and a shared sense of purpose. The success of this Conference depends on your collective commitment and the spirit of teamwork you bring to the table,” he said.
He declared the committees inaugurated, expressing confidence that they would deliver a landmark event that will set a new benchmark for disability inclusion in Nigeria.
The event was graced by dignitaries and stakeholders in the disability inclusion space, including Dr. James Lalu, immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD); Comrade Mike Meikuno Gideon, representing the National President, JONAPWD; Mr. Rilwan Mohammed Aliyu, National President, JONAPWPD; Amb. Mube Awala Beatrice, Vice President, JONAPWPD; and Chioma Maureen Egede, Chairperson, FCT SCIAN, among others.
In his goodwill remarks, Dr. James Lalu urged stakeholders to continue advocating for disability inclusion and accessibility, noting that “it is by making the necessary noise that barriers are shattered and gaps bridged.”
The highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of official letters of appointment to all Heads and Members of the Planning Committees.
