By Agbo Christian Obiora
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Assembly on Thursday came alive with a renewed call to action as lawmakers, government officials, and civil society leaders gathered to unveil an ambitious five-year plan to empower no fewer than 30 million Nigerians with disabilities. At the heart of the event was a bold message: Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are not burdens, but vital agents of change in Nigeria’s green economy transformation.
The unveiling, held at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, showcased the groundbreaking strategy of the Global Disabilities Green Initiative (GDGI)—a fast-rising non-governmental organization (NGO) advocating for environmental sustainability through disability inclusion.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, House Committee on Persons With Disabilities, Dr. Bashiru Dawodu, committee member Rep. Fayinka Oluwatoyin expressed grave concern over the everyday challenges faced by the PWD community, ranging from discrimination and unemployment to exclusion from climate and development policies.
“Today, over 30 million Nigerians with disabilities are still struggling for visibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity,” Dawodu said. “That’s why the National Assembly passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018—to protect the rights of this vulnerable population and ensure they are not left behind.”
With the Act’s five-year moratorium having expired in January 2024, Dawodu disclosed that his committee is now actively monitoring compliance and implementation across all sectors. “No one, including institutions, ministries, or private establishments, will be allowed to flout this law without consequences,” he added firmly.
Government Pledges Support
Representing the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Deputy Director Garba Magaji hailed the initiative as timely and transformative.
“We commend the leadership of GDGI for championing this inclusive green agenda,” Magaji stated. “As a ministry, we are committed to collaborating with organizations that promote inclusive development and poverty eradication, particularly for persons with disabilities.”
From Margins to Movement: GDGI’s Vision
At the heart of the event was Mrs. Angelina Ugben, the visionary founder of GDGI, who electrified the room with a passionate presentation of the initiative’s bold objectives. Her message was clear and compelling: disability and sustainability are not mutually exclusive—they are interconnected.
“PWDs are not problems to be solved—they are pioneers to be empowered,” Ugben declared. “This is not charity; it is justice in action.”
She announced that GDGI has set a target to train 10,000 Persons With Disabilities as certified green leaders by 2030, equipping them with skills in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and green entrepreneurship.
“We want to see PWDs not only at the table but at the forefront—co-designing climate policies, driving innovation in green technology, and leading local climate action,” Ugben said. “The future of sustainability must be inclusive, or it will not be sustainable at all.”
Tangible Achievements in Just 8 Months
Despite being a relatively young initiative, GDGI has already made impressive strides within its first eight months of operation:
- Planted 50 symbolic trees in Karon Majigi, FCT, in partnership with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) to promote environmental awareness.
- Trained 25 PWDs in solar photovoltaic installation, in collaboration with the ASTEVEN Energy Institute—equipping participants with high-demand green energy skills.
- Distributed 100 solar lamps to students in underserved communities, through a strategic alliance with Smiling Simon Greenbuild Foundation and Light Up Africa.
- Advocated for inclusive climate policies at both national and international platforms, including high-level meetings at the United Nations and ECOWAS.
A Clarion Call to Stakeholders
In a rousing conclusion, Mrs. Ugben challenged government agencies, the private sector, and development partners to embrace GDGI’s vision of an inclusive green economy.
“PWDs must no longer be sidelined in the sustainability equation. Inclusion is not an afterthought—it is a prerequisite for real progress. Let us build a future where green means accessible, where progress means inclusive, and where disability is seen as a strength, not a setback.”
The event concluded with renewed pledges of support from stakeholders across sectors, signaling a promising new chapter in the intersection of disability advocacy and environmental justice in Nigeria.
As the drums of climate action grow louder worldwide, Nigeria’s 30 million citizens with disabilities are stepping out of the shadows—ready to lead, innovate, and green the future.
For inquiries or partnerships with the Global Disabilities Green Initiative (GDGI), contact: gdgi.org@gmail.com
