The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in leadership roles, emphasizing that such a move is critical for building a sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future.
This resounding appeal was made during a one-day stakeholder conference on disability inclusion, held in Abuja on Wednesday, under the theme ‘Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.’
Advocating for Inclusive Leadership
In his opening remarks, JONAPWD’s National President, Mr. Abdullahi Usman, made a compelling case for why the inclusion of PWDs in decision-making processes and leadership positions is a necessity, not an option. He highlighted the ongoing marginalization of PWDs in governance and called for immediate action to bridge the leadership gap.
“We are using this conference to advocate for the active involvement of persons with disabilities in the planning and execution of policies and strategies that directly impact their lives,” he stated. “The motto ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ forms the foundation of our advocacy. We will continue to champion full participation and the equalization of opportunities for, by, and with persons with disabilities.”
Mr. Usman further emphasized that the era when decisions concerning PWDs were made without their input is long gone. “Gone are the days when programs of this nature were organized on behalf of persons with disabilities. Now, persons with disabilities are taking charge, organizing their programs themselves,” he said.
Keynote Address: Economic Empowerment as a Leadership Catalyst
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola explored the topic ‘Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.’ She argued that true inclusion of PWDs in leadership cannot be achieved without addressing the systemic barriers that hinder their participation, particularly unemployment and economic disenfranchisement.
“Unemployment among Persons with Disabilities remains alarmingly high, as revealed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Economic empowerment is crucial because it significantly shapes leadership roles,” she noted. Dr. Umar-Ajijola called for coordinated efforts among the private sector, public institutions, and civil society to create sustainable economic opportunities for PWDs.
“We must ensure that PWDs are not only beneficiaries of policies but active participants in shaping and implementing them. However, this can only be realized if they are adequately represented in government and other leadership positions,” she added.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Impact
Since its establishment in 1992, JONAPWD has served as the umbrella organization for the disability community in Nigeria, advocating for the rights, inclusion, and development of PWDs. Over the years, the organization has partnered with key stakeholders, including international organizations like the Disability Rights Fund, to drive its mission forward. JONAPWD has focused on inclusive governance, education, and economic empowerment, ensuring that PWDs are not left behind in Nigeria’s development agenda.
“By calling for the inclusion of PWDs in leadership roles, we are not just advocating for equal opportunities; we are striving to build a society where every citizen, regardless of their ability, can contribute meaningfully to national development,” Mr. Usman remarked.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaborative Efforts
The conference, supported by notable partners such as the MacArthur Foundation, Light of the World, and the Disability Rights Fund, brought together leaders from Nigeria’s disability community and key policymakers. It was chaired by the Chairman of the House Committee on Disabilities, Hon. Dr. Ayinla Bashiru Dawodu, who was represented at the event.
Among the dignitaries present was the Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, as well as state JONAPWD chairpersons and other influential voices in the disability community.
The event featured insightful speeches from partners, engaging panel discussions, and interactive sessions that explored strategies for amplifying the leadership potential of PWDs in Nigeria. Discussions revolved around critical issues such as economic empowerment, policy implementation, and fostering greater representation of PWDs in governance.
Path Forward: Building an Inclusive Society
One of the key outcomes of the conference was the consensus on the need for sustained advocacy and action to dismantle systemic barriers faced by PWDs. Participants stressed the importance of institutionalizing mechanisms that ensure PWDs are not just participants in leadership processes but are leading the charge in their communities and beyond.
The call for increased representation resonated with stakeholders, who pledged to continue pushing for policy reforms that prioritize the needs and rights of PWDs. “Inclusion is not just a buzzword; it is the bedrock of a sustainable and equitable society,” Dr. Umar-Ajijola concluded in her keynote address.
A Unified Vision for Progress
As the conference drew to a close, JONAPWD reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights of PWDs through collaboration and persistent advocacy. The organization’s leaders vowed to continue their efforts to promote inclusive leadership and economic empowerment, ensuring that PWDs are not left out of Nigeria’s progress.
By amplifying the voices of PWDs and ensuring their active participation in leadership, JONAPWD is laying the groundwork for a future where inclusion is the norm, not the exception.
