By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has urged philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the exemplary commitment of the Sir David Osunde Foundation in empowering Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and uplifting the less privileged in society.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 33rd Annual Special Easter Monday Celebration of the Foundation in honour of Persons With Disabilities in Abuja, Hon. Abba Isa described the consistent empowerment of PWDs for over three decades as remarkable and worthy of national emulation.
“For more than 33 years, this noble Foundation has demonstrated compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of PWDs. I commend the Sir David Osunde Foundation for its outstanding contributions—your medical outreach, empowerment programs, and advocacy efforts have touched thousands of lives across Nigeria,” he said.
The Presidential aide stated that such interventions align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes inclusivity, equity, and a society where no Nigerian is left behind regardless of ability or disability.
“Empowerment, as demonstrated here today, is a powerful entry point for accelerating inclusive development. Strategic interventions like this unlock the potential of PWDs, enhance their economic participation, and foster a more just society,” he added.
Hon. Abba Isa also expressed readiness for partnership, noting that the Office of the SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities is open to collaborating with the Foundation to scale its impact nationwide.
“With our established presence in all 774 local government areas of Nigeria, we can support the Foundation to deepen its outreach and multiply its impact.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for all Nigerians, especially PWDs, and emphasized the administration’s resolve to bridge the gap between policy and lived experience.
*Goodwill Messages from Other Dignitaries*
The event also featured goodwill messages from religious leaders and dignitaries.
Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja, praised the Foundation for its enduring commitment, stating, “Through your efforts, countless individuals have been empowered to thrive and succeed despite their physical challenges. Your work is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of compassion.”
Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuno, Director of Catholic Television of Nigeria, echoed similar sentiments: “This celebration reaffirms our collective responsibility to create a more accessible society. The Foundation’s tireless advocacy inspires us all to work toward a world where everyone can thrive.”
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, also commended the Foundation for simultaneously holding the celebration in both Abuja and Benin City. “Your work will never be in vain. Be rest assured of my continued support in advancing this great vision.”
*Support to PWDs*
The event featured the distribution of assistive and relief items, including wheelchairs, tricycles, white canes, crutches, clothing, food items, and other essential support devices. Highlights included the symbolic presentation of a wheelchair to a physically challenged woman and an electronic typewriter to a visually impaired lady.
The Sir David Osunde Foundation continues to be a shining light in the advocacy for inclusivity and empowerment for PWDs, reminding all Nigerians that lasting change begins with individual commitment and collective action.
