By Lanre Oloyede
In the lead-up to the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, has reiterated the administration’s unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive society.
Speaking at a pre-event world press conference in Abuja, Hon. Abba Isa highlighted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government to bridge gaps, amplify the voices of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), and promote their leadership in shaping a sustainable future.
The IDPD, commemorated annually on December 3rd, is a pivotal event for over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities and their global counterparts.
The Senior presidential aide Isa emphasized its significance as a platform for raising awareness about disability-related issues, promoting inclusive policies, and driving meaningful societal change.
Two-Day Celebration Announced
To mark this year’s IDPD, the SSA unveiled a comprehensive two-day program under the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” This theme underscores the importance of positioning PWDs as active contributors to national development.
Day 1: Awareness Walk/Rally
The festivities will begin on December 2, 2024, with an *Awareness Walk/Rally* from Unity Fountain to the Federal Secretariat in Abuja. Scheduled to start at 10:00 AM, the rally aims to spotlight the challenges and opportunities for PWDs, drawing participation from hundreds of advocates and supporters. Participants will don branded materials and distribute flyers to educate the public on the importance of inclusivity.
Day 2: Advocacy Symposium, Celebration, and Empowerment Program
The celebrations will culminate on December 3, 2024, with an *Advocacy Symposium, Celebration, and Empowerment Program* at the State House Auditorium, Abuja. This flagship event will gather policymakers, advocates, and dignitaries to strategize on enhancing disability inclusion.
Key highlights of the day include:
- Keynote Addresses and Goodwill Messages from notable leaders.
- Technical Sessions focused on actionable disability-inclusive policies.
- Issuance of a Communiqué outlining resolutions and commitments.
- Empowerment Initiatives, including the distribution of assistive aids, cash grants, and business tools for PWDs.
- Humanitarian Support, with food palliatives, clothing, and assistive devices distributed to alleviate immediate needs.
- Showcases of the talents and products of PWDs through exhibitions and performances.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all attendees, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the day.
Driving Disability Inclusion
Speaking to journalists, Hon. Abba Isa noted that the two-day program reflects President Tinubu’s mandate to prioritize the welfare and empowerment of PWDs. “The IDPD is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. We are determined to ensure PWDs are not only beneficiaries but leaders in our collective quest for an inclusive and sustainable Nigeria,” he stated.
He called on stakeholders, partners, and the public to actively participate in the celebrations, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to foster a society where no one is left behind.
Also speaking , the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Mr Remigius Nwaonu, noted that the essence of the World Press Conference was to bring to the attention of the Public the program the office of the SSA has earmarked to the benefit of PWDs in Nigeria.
Giving update on the work the committee has done so far, Mr Nwaonu stated that the committee observed and identified that many PWDs are loaded with many untapped potentials yearning for attention.
He stressed that these set of individuals will be identified and assisted as a way of empowering them to be self-dependent at the symposium.
In his remarks, Barr. Paul Iheakwoaba, a member of the Steering Committee, expressed happiness that the IDPD has now become an issue of national consciousness attracting global attention from policy makers and stakeholders alike. This he attributed to the outcome of years of sustained advocacy and awareness creation targeted at making Nigerian government to begin to pay serious attention to issues of inclusivity and accessibility.
Talking about the theme of the day, Mrs Juanita Chinyere Ashade, a member of the committee noted that Amplifying the voice of the Persons With Disabilities signifies taking critical steps and actions that will have lasting impact and leave a lot to be remembered in the lives of the PWDs as well as government and stakeholders.
Mrs Ashade emphasized the need for empathy as against sympathy when addressing issues relating to disability inclusion and empowerment.
Conclusion
As preparations for the 2024 IDPD gain momentum, Hon. Abba Isa’s reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment signals a bold step toward a more inclusive Nigeria. With its robust lineup of activities, this year’s celebration promises to be a landmark event, amplifying the voices of PWDs and setting the stage for greater inclusion and sustainability.
The SSA, on behalf of President Tinubu, extended an open invitation to Nigerians and the global community to join the celebrations and contribute to a brighter, more equitable future for all.
