… As First Lady Remi Tinubu is Named Nigeria’s ‘FACE’ of the Summit of the Future for Persons with Disabilities
By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to promoting global inclusivity, accessibility, and justice for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking at the inaugural Annual Post-UN General Assembly World Press Conference, organized by the Pioneers of Nigeria’s National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement Policy Changers in Abuja, Hon. Abba Isa underscored the administration’s dedication to advancing equity and equal opportunities for PWDs on the global stage.
Represented by his Director of Media and Communications, Lanre Oloyede, Hon. Abba Isa emphasized the importance of the principles “Nothing About Us Without Us” and “No One Left Behind” in shaping global governance.
The Senior presidential aide stressed that Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s leadership, remains committed to ensuring these ideals are upheld in global discourse and policies.
Addressing the exclusion of PWDs from the recently concluded 79th United Nations General Assembly Summit of the Future, where the **Pact for the Future** was adopted, Hon. Abba Isa expressed disappointment. He called on the global community, including the United Nations, to ensure that disability perspectives are integrated into the Pact.
“The lack of representation of the PWD community at such a critical global event highlights the urgent need for reforms that prioritize inclusivity,” he stated.
**First Lady Adopted as ‘FACE’ of Global Advocacy**
A key highlight of the event was the adoption of Her Excellency, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, as Nigeria’s **‘FACE’ of the Summit of the Future for Persons with Disabilities**.
Reacting to this, Hon. Abba Isa praised the First Lady’s longstanding commitment to the inclusive development of PWDs and vulnerable groups, noting her transformative contributions from her time as First Lady of Lagos State to her current role.
“Her Excellency has been a beacon of hope, providing humanitarian and philanthropic support to the less privileged. Her adoption as the FACE of the Summit of the Future is a well-deserved recognition of her tireless advocacy,” he said.
### **Innovative Proposals for National Development**
Dr. Job Napoleon Agbor, Co-Convener of the Pioneers of Nigeria’s National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement, proposed a groundbreaking initiative under the First Lady’s leadership. The initiative aims to implement the **Pact for the Future** through grassroots STEM education, entrepreneurship, and robotics programs for marginalized groups, including at-risk children, Almajiris, and victims of conflict.
“These programs will transform traumatized individuals into world-class scientists and inventors, capable of contributing to national security and development,” Dr. Agbor stated.
He envisioned a Nigeria capable of building its satellites and deploying advanced technologies to address insecurity and industrial challenges.
Dr. Agbor also called on stakeholders to work collaboratively with the Senior Special Assistant’s office and other agencies to ensure the effective implementation of the **National Disability Act, 2018**, aligning with the Tinubu administration’s efforts to curb insecurity and foster a more inclusive society.
### **Focus on Women with Disabilities**
The event also addressed the double marginalization faced by women with disabilities. Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, Lead Convener of the movement, highlighted their economic disadvantages, vulnerability to violence, and limited access to services.
She advocated for a gender-inclusive approach, emphasizing that addressing these issues requires the active participation of all genders in reshaping societal norms.
“Exclusion of women and girls with disabilities is not just a women’s issue—it is a social issue. A gender and development approach is essential to driving meaningful change,” she said.
### **A Call to Action**
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to inclusivity and the amplification of marginalized voices. Hon. Abba Isa commended the organizers for creating a platform that places PWDs at the forefront of national and global agendas.
As the Tinubu administration continues to champion inclusivity, the adoption of Her Excellency Senator Remi Tinubu as the FACE of the Summit of the Future signals a new era of global advocacy for PWDs, aiming to ensure no one is left behind.
