June 11, 2024
By Lanre Oloyede
In furtherance of the fulfillment of his mandate to transform the lives of Persons With Disabilities and People with Special Needs in Nigeria, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa has performed the official media unveiling of the upcoming Beyond Disability Project Logo.
According to Hon. Abba Isa, the initiative, which is aimed at empowering at least 5000 out of the 35.1 million Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, is focused on talent discovery and development, skill acquisition, educational support programs and mentorship would be harnessed annually.
While reiterating the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration’s to inclusivity, the Senior presidential aide noted that federal government has created an enabling environment for initiatives like the BD-Project to flourish.
The SSAP stated that the project, which is expected to be flagged off by Mr President on June 27 at the presidential Villa, represents a movement that seeks to break down barriers and create opportunities for persons with disabilities.
In his address, the SSAP expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the National Coordinator of the BD-Project, Mr. Steve Rodstick Ezeh for his tireless efforts and dedication to the cause, while thanking other partners, particularly Queen Adenike Tejuosho, founder of the Queen Halimat Adenike Tejuosho Foundation, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for their support and collaboration in making the project a reality.
The presidential aide equally commended ECOWAS for adopting the BD-Project during the last Ministers in charge of Disabilities Regional Convention in Nigeria as part of the disability inclusivity action plan.
“Through this project, we aim to provide talent development, skill acquisition, and mentorship programs for persons with disabilities. We are committed to creating a society that values and includes everyone.
“To the Persons with Disabilities, we assure you that this project is dedicated to improving your lives and empowering you to reach your full potential. We believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities, and we are committed to making that d reality. To the society at large, we urge you to support this noble cause. Let us work together to create a society that values and includes everyone, regardless of their abilities. | will be giving opportunity for the National coordinator of BD project to throw more light on the objective of the project,” the presidential aide stated.
While giving more insight into the project, the National Coordinator of B-D Project, Hon. Steve Rodstick, explained that talented PWDs will be identified and nurtured till they become self-reliant while those without talents will be supported to acquire skills in various fields of choice.
Hon. Rodstick further revealed that plan is underway to build a vocational centre where PWDs will be gathered and their talents harnessed.
Also speaking, Head of Division, Social Affairs at ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Fernando Jorge Alves D’Almada, expressed optimism that the project will impact the lives of PWDs across Africa.
