In a momentous stride towards cultivating inclusivity throughout Nigerian states, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities (OSSAP) has unveiled the groundbreaking Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program. The inaugural edition of this transformative initiative received its official launch from Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at a ceremonious event hosted in the Lagos State government house, Alausa Ikeja.
Distinguished dignitaries graced this significant occasion, with the notable presence of Hon. Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, representing Governor Sanwo-Olu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, represented by Chief of Staff Barr. Yusuf Iyodo, and Hon. Prisca Nwangwu, Public Relations Liaison Assistant to the SSAP.
Conceived by Hon. Abba Isa, the Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program strategically forges a partnership with Nigerian Governors, aiming to establish a national consensus on disability-friendly policies in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Barr. Yusuf Iyodo, representing Hon. Abba Isa, passionately elucidated the program’s multifaceted objectives. Emphasizing its intent to connect with Governors, raise awareness on disability issues, facilitate compliance with disability norms, provide technical support, rate and induct compliant administrators into the esteemed Disability Friendly Hall of Fame, and sustain ongoing monitoring of their compliance.
This comprehensive initiative’s action plan encompasses a disability inclusion audit of various states, impactful seminars, awareness-raising initiatives, and the prospect of a Governors Connect Conference on disability inclusion. These strategic activities collectively aim to shape a national consensus on disability-friendly policies across the diverse States of the federation.
As part of the implementation strategy, OSSAP has meticulously defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess and rate the 36 States of the federation for their Disability Inclusion Compliance. The robust parameters for Disability Inclusion Compliance include the enactment of Disability Law, the establishment of an Implementation Agency, inclusion of Disability Sensitivity in Development Plans, provision of Disability Responsive Budgeting Across Sectors, ensuring Disability Sensitive Procurement, and fostering Disability Inclusive Governance.
The selection of Governor Sanwo-Olu as the premiere launcher carries profound significance, rooted in Lagos State’s status as the State of origin of President Tinubu—a distinguished and disability-friendly leader. Barr. Iyodo articulated, “Essentially, we expect Lagos to be an ambassador for the program.”
Mr. Ogunlende, speaking on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu, affirmed Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with OSSAP, ensuring the realization of the noble objectives of the Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program. The Governor expressed his dedication to enlightening and liaising with his fellow governors to actualize the program’s lofty objectives.
A pinnacle moment during the event included an on-the-spot assessment of Lagos State, evaluating its compliance with the meticulously set parameters. Barr. Iyodo, acting on behalf of Hon. Abba Isa, proudly declared Lagos State as the first State to meet all requirements for Disability Inclusion Compliance in the country.
In an optimistic announcement, Barr. Iyodo proclaimed that this comprehensive assessment would extend to the remaining states of the federation, fervently urging other State governors to emulate the exemplary leadership of Lagos in mainstreaming disability inclusion across all spheres of governance.
Reflecting on President Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity within his Renewed Hope Agenda, the appointment of Hon. Abba Isa as SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities resonates with the President’s profound dedication to creating opportunities for persons with disabilities. The President has entrusted Hon. Abba Isa with the crucial mandate of working closely with sub-national authorities to build a national consensus on PWD-friendly policy and environmental conditions, in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
This groundbreaking initiative marks a monumental stride towards fostering a society that is not only inclusive but also equitable, underscoring the pivotal role of disability inclusion at the forefront of national governance.
