In a dazzling celebration that blended elegance with purpose, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, officially launched the Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP) on Wednesday in Abuja. The event also marked the inauguration of the AAP’s board and executive members, setting the stage for a new era of disability inclusion and accessibility across Nigeria.
The high-profile event was attended by government officials, disability rights advocates, business leaders, and key stakeholders in the accessibility sector. It underscored the growing commitment to making Nigeria’s social, economic, and physical spaces inclusive and accessible to all, especially Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The unveiling symbolizes a strategic partnership between the AAP and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSAP) on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, with the goal of driving disability advocacy to the forefront of national policy.
A Strategic Milestone for Disability Inclusion
The AAP’s launch aligns with the government’s vision of implementing the National Disability Act and advancing policies that remove barriers to accessibility. As Nigeria continues to make strides towards disability inclusion, this new partnership aims to ensure accessibility is embedded not just in rhetoric but in reality across all sectors—public, private, and civil society.
Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa highlighted the importance of the initiative in his keynote address, stating, “Accessibility is not just about building ramps or making spaces open to people with disabilities. It is about creating a society where no one is left behind, and everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in public life. This partnership with the AAP will strengthen our resolve to make Nigeria an inclusive nation.”
He emphasized that accessibility is a right, not a privilege, and pledged his office’s continued support for initiatives that promote inclusion in all aspects of life—education, employment, infrastructure, healthcare, and more.
Driving Policy Change and Expanding PWD Representation
The collaboration between the Office of the SSAP and the AAP aims to influence policy reform and raise awareness on the importance of inclusion. One of the core objectives of this partnership is to increase the visibility of PWDs in governance and public spaces, ensuring their representation is reflected in decision-making processes at all levels.
The event provided a platform to showcase Nigeria’s progress and challenges in promoting disability rights. The SSAP reaffirmed the government’s commitment to removing the physical, social, and institutional barriers that limit the participation of PWDs. “Our goal,” Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa noted, “is not just compliance with the Disability Act but to create a nation where accessibility is ingrained in our culture and institutions.”
The new AAP leadership expressed their determination to bridge existing gaps, collaborate with government and private sectors, and work towards building a society that upholds the dignity of all citizens, regardless of disability. They pledged to play a critical role in providing expertise and technical support to ensure accessibility standards are maintained across various sectors.
Celebrating Accessibility and Inclusion in Style
The atmosphere at the event was filled with excitement, as attendees celebrated what they described as a “long-awaited step forward.” The glitzy ceremony included musical performances, awards presentations, and testimonies from individuals with disabilities who shared how accessible spaces and inclusive policies have transformed their lives.
In a symbolic gesture, the new board members took an oath of office, committing to champion accessibility and serve as advocates for PWDs nationwide. Their inauguration represents a new wave of leadership focused on practical solutions to promote accessibility and tackle the challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria.
Attendees expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to address systemic challenges. “This launch is not just about the inauguration of a new association,” remarked one attendee. “It’s about creating a movement that will reshape how Nigeria approaches disability inclusion and accessibility.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Inclusion
With the launch of the AAP and the inauguration of its leadership, the momentum for disability inclusion in Nigeria has gained new energy. The collaboration between the AAP and the Office of the SSAP is expected to drive not just policy compliance but meaningful action that transforms public spaces, workplaces, and communities across the country.
As Nigeria moves forward with the implementation of the National Disability Act, the AAP is poised to be a key player in ensuring the law translates into tangible improvements in the lives of PWDs. The newly established partnership aims to push accessibility beyond a concept into a lived reality for all Nigerians, regardless of ability.
Conclusion: A Historic Step Towards Inclusion
The unveiling of the Association of Accessibility Professionals (AAP) is more than just a formal event—it marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a truly inclusive society. With the support of Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa and the Office of the SSAP, the AAP is well-positioned to lead the charge for accessibility and disability inclusion, working towards a future where every Nigerian, regardless of ability, can thrive.
As the night concluded with applause and a renewed sense of purpose, one thing was clear: the journey towards accessibility and inclusion has taken a significant leap forward. With committed leadership, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering focus on the rights of PWDs, the path to a more inclusive Nigeria has never been more certain.
