By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has outlined five key recommendations to ensure Nigeria’s strong and effective participation at the upcoming Global Disability Summit (GDS) scheduled for April in Germany.
Hon. Abba Isa made these recommendations at a one-day non-residential training organized by the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) in Abuja. The training, themed Strengthening OPD Engagement and Advocacy Strategies for the Global Disability Summit (GDS), was designed to equip Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and relevant stakeholders with the knowledge and strategies needed for impactful engagement at the summit.
A Call for Stronger Advocacy and Engagement
Commending the leadership of AAN for the initiative, the Senior presidential aide Isa, who was represented by his Director Media and Communications, Lanre Oloyede, emphasized the importance of the training in preparing Nigerian OPDs and stakeholders to take full advantage of the GDS platform.
“Today’s training is not just another workshop—it is a vital step in strengthening the capacity of OPDs and other relevant actors to play a more active role in disability governance at both national and international levels,” he stated.
According to him, Nigeria’s participation at the GDS presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s progress in disability inclusion, advocate for policy reforms, and attract global partnerships that will enhance the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). However, he stressed that a well-prepared and strategic engagement is key to maximizing the summit’s impact.
The SSAP further reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all Nigerians.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this administration remains dedicated to creating an inclusive society where no Nigerian, regardless of ability, is left behind. My office is fully open for collaboration and partnership with OPDs and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that disability issues remain a priority on the national agenda,” he assured.
Five Key Recommendations for Effective Engagement at GDS
To ensure that Nigeria’s participation at the GDS leads to tangible benefits, Hon. Abba Isa outlined the following recommendations:
1. Stronger Coordination Among OPDs: He urged OPDs to unite under a common agenda to amplify their voices at the summit. A coordinated approach, he noted, would improve Nigeria’s chances of influencing global disability policies.
2. Engagement with MDAs and Policymakers: The SSAP encouraged OPDs to work closely with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that commitments made at the GDS are incorporated into national policies and budgets.
3. Data-Driven Advocacy: He emphasized the importance of using evidence-based research and data to make a compelling case at the summit, noting that such an approach would strengthen Nigeria’s position and demonstrate the impact of disability-inclusive policies.
4. Post-Summit Monitoring and Implementation: Hon. Abba Isa stressed the need for a structured framework to track the implementation of commitments made at the GDS, ensuring that they lead to meaningful improvements in the lives of PWDs in Nigeria.
5. Strengthening Media and Public Awareness: He urged OPDs to collaborate with the media in highlighting disability issues, promoting positive narratives, and keeping disability inclusion in national conversations.
A Call for Collective Action
In conclusion, Hon. Abba Isa commended the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) for spearheading the training and reaffirmed his commitment to working with OPDs and other stakeholders to ensure a successful outing for Nigeria at the GDS.
“Let us continue to work together, strengthen our advocacy, and ensure that Nigeria’s participation at the GDS leads to lasting benefits for the disability community,” he urged.
With these strategic recommendations, Nigeria is poised to make a strong impact at the Global Disability Summit, leveraging the platform to push for policy changes and international support for disability inclusion.
