AbilityPlus Initiative, in partnership with the Rotdinnah Foundation, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, organized the 4th Edition of the Ability Plus Outreach Food Drive, reaffirming its commitment to dignity, inclusion, and social progress for children with disabilities. The event was held as part of activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2025.
The outreach brought together disability advocates, parents, caregivers, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities, and children with disabilities, creating a powerful platform for advocacy, support, and community solidarity. It aligned with the 2025 IDPD theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Inclusion Beyond Celebration
Delivering her address virtually, the Executive Director of AbilityPlus Initiative (API), Janet Fasakin, described the occasion as more than a ceremonial gathering, stressing that disability inclusion must be intentional and continuous.
“Today is special. Today is about people. Today is about inclusion,” she said, adding that the food drive reflects AbilityPlus Initiative’s commitment to compassion, dignity, and inclusion in action.
She emphasized that true social progress cannot be achieved if persons with disabilities are excluded, noting that inclusion is not charity, but a matter of respect, equal opportunity, and human rights.
“We are not only sharing food items and educational materials—we are sharing hope, love, and belonging,” Fasakin stated.
According to her, while festive seasons are expected to bring joy to all, many persons with disabilities still experience hunger, exclusion, and systemic barriers. The food drive, now in its fourth edition, was therefore designed to respond to these challenges while promoting long-term empowerment.
Investing in the Future of Children With Disabilities
A major highlight of the outreach was the distribution of exercise books, clothes, food items, and other essential materials to children with disabilities. Fasakin noted that providing educational materials was a strategic investment in the future of children with disabilities, whose potentials are often undermined by poverty and social exclusion.
“By providing educational materials, we are investing in the future of children with disabilities. By coming together consistently, we are demonstrating that inclusion must be sustained,” she said.
She expressed deep appreciation to CBM for supporting the initiative with educational materials, the Rotdinnah Foundation for its partnership, and the Human Rights Commission for providing the venue and standing firmly for dignity and human rights. She also acknowledged Mrs. Ibagan and an anonymous donor abroad whose support contributed significantly to the success of the outreach.
Keynote: Inclusion as Justice and Development
The keynote address was delivered by Comrade Chris Agbo, Executive Director of The Qualitative Magazine and Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD), FCT Chapter.
Agbo described the theme of the event as a call to action rather than a slogan, urging stakeholders to critically assess whether society is genuinely inclusive of children with disabilities.
“Disability inclusion goes beyond sympathy or charity,” he said. “It requires intentional action—designing systems, policies, and environments that recognize persons with disabilities as equal rights holders.”
He emphasized that children with disabilities are not problems to be fixed, but potentials to be nurtured, warning that exclusion not only harms them but also deprives society of progress.
Persistent Barriers Facing Children With Disabilities
Agbo highlighted the realities confronting children with disabilities in Nigeria, including barriers to inclusive education, stigmatization rooted in harmful cultural beliefs, inaccessible infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and rehabilitation services, and exclusion from social and digital spaces.
“These barriers are not caused by disability itself, but by societal neglect and exclusionary choices,” he noted.
He stressed that disability-inclusive societies are more equitable, innovative, and resilient, adding that when children with disabilities have access to education, healthcare, assistive devices, and safe environments, they grow into empowered adults who contribute meaningfully to national development.
Shared Responsibility for Inclusion
Calling for collective responsibility, Agbo urged government, educators, parents, civil society, the media, and the private sector to play active roles in fostering disability-inclusive societies. He emphasized the need for inclusive budgeting, accessible schools, early intervention services, and a shift in narratives from pity to possibility.
“Fostering disability-inclusive societies is not an act of kindness; it is an act of justice,” he said.
Recognising Champions of Inclusion
The event also featured an award presentation honouring individuals who have contributed immensely to supporting AbilityPlus Initiative and advancing disability inclusion. Award recipients included Timothy Tinat of the Deaf Resource Centre, Sola Aderigbe, and Madam Stella of the Rotdinnah Foundation, whose efforts were applauded by participants.
A Strong Message of Hope
The presence of disability advocates, parents, caregivers, persons with disabilities, and children with disabilities added depth and authenticity to the outreach, reinforcing the message that inclusion is most effective when driven by community participation.
As the event concluded, participants were reminded that inclusion must extend beyond commemorative days into everyday practices in homes, schools, workplaces, and public policies.
With the 4th Edition of the Ability Plus Outreach Food Drive, AbilityPlus Initiative and its partners once again echoed a powerful message: when children with disabilities are included, society progresses—and when barriers are removed, everyone wins.
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