In a pivotal move to enhance disability inclusion across Nigeria, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, held a landmark meeting with Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, the renowned “Mother of the Disability Civil Rights Movement” and Life Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Nigeria. The meeting, which took place on September 17, 2024, also included a key figure in disability advocacy, Mr. Job Napoleon Agbor, marking a significant moment in the country’s efforts to secure a more inclusive future for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
This historic gathering signals the dawn of a new chapter for Nigeria’s disability community, as it paves the way for proactive government engagement and stronger grassroots participation in the fight for disability rights. Both government officials and civil society leaders came together to strategize on how to address the long-standing challenges faced by Nigerians with disabilities, building on the momentum of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
A United Front for Change
Mr. Job Napoleon Agbor, the convener of the Pioneers of Nigeria’s National and International Disabilities Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers, was a key participant in the discussions. A political heavyweight from Etomi Ward in Etung LGA, Cross River State, and an active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Agbor has been a long-standing advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. His involvement in this crucial dialogue highlights the growing unity between the government and disability rights advocates.
The discussions centered around a transformative initiative referred to as the “PARADIGM SHIFT,” a critical component of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The shift aims to correct decades of marginalization and discrimination that the disability community has faced, particularly under previous administrations.
Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issues that have plagued PWDs for far too long. He stressed that the Tinubu administration is fully aware of the obstacles faced by persons with disabilities and is determined to chart a new course, one that is inclusive, empowering, and sustainable.
“The neglect of persons with disabilities is a burden we inherited, but it is also one we are fully committed to rectifying,” Hon. Abba Isa said. “This meeting is not just symbolic but a strong indicator that we are entering a new phase of disability advocacy in Nigeria. The ‘PARADIGM SHIFT’ will ensure that PWDs are not just passive beneficiaries but active participants in our nation’s development.”
The ‘Village Movement’: A Grassroots Approach
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the introduction of the nationwide “Village Movement,” a grassroots initiative aimed at driving community-based participation in the inclusion process. This movement seeks to empower PWDs at the local level, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they play a central role in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Hon. Abba Isa explained that the Village Movement would enable persons with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to socio-economic development at the grassroots. By engaging directly with communities, the initiative promises to create a platform for PWDs to identify their needs, propose solutions, and collaborate with both local and national government bodies.
This bottom-up approach is expected to foster deeper connections between PWDs and policymakers, thereby ensuring that programs and policies designed to benefit the disabled community are more responsive to their actual needs.
Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson: A Milestone for the Disability Movement
Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, a revered figure in Nigeria’s disability rights movement, hailed the meeting as a major milestone in the country’s journey towards a more inclusive society. For decades, Lady Thompson has been a leading voice in advocating for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, and her participation in this meeting marks a significant moment of recognition for her tireless efforts.
“This is not just another meeting—it is the dawn of a new era for PWDs in Nigeria,” she said passionately. “We are taking back our community, one step at a time, through a people-centered approach. The inclusion of persons with disabilities is no longer an afterthought; it is now a priority. This meeting signifies a long-awaited shift towards true empowerment for our community.”
Lady Thompson stressed the importance of continued collaboration between the disability community, the government, and civil society, noting that sustainable change can only be achieved through consistent dialogue and partnership. “Our fight has always been about inclusion, and today, I am more hopeful than ever that we are finally on the right path,” she added.
The Road Ahead: A New Era of Disability Advocacy
The meeting sets the stage for a deeper collaboration between government officials, civil society, and the disability community. The introduction of the PARADIGM SHIFT and the Village Movement has given rise to a sense of optimism within the disability rights community, as many believe that these initiatives will lay the foundation for lasting change.
Mr. Job Napoleon Agbor echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of policy reform and government accountability in ensuring that the rights of PWDs are fully protected. “This particular administration has shown a willingness to listen, and now it is up to all of us to ensure that this momentum is sustained,” Mr. Agbor said. “There is a great deal of work to be done, but with initiatives like the PARADIGM SHIFT, we are confident that we can reshape the future of disability advocacy in Nigeria.”
A Commitment to Inclusive Development
The Tinubu administration’s focus on inclusive development has brought renewed hope to many within the disability community. Hon. Abba Isa’s emphasis on reversing the neglect experienced by PWDs through collaborative efforts signals a clear departure from the tokenism that has characterized previous approaches to disability advocacy.
With the commitment of the government, as well as the active involvement of civil society leaders like Lady Thompson and Mr. Agbor, there is hope that Nigeria will soon become a country where every citizen, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities for development and success.
Looking Towards the Future
The engagement between the government and the disability rights community marks a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to inclusion. As the PARADIGM SHIFT initiative gains momentum, there is an increasing belief that the voices of persons with disabilities will be heard, their needs addressed, and their rights protected under the law.
“This is only the beginning,” Lady Thompson said. “There is so much more to be done, but today we took a huge step forward. Together, we can build a Nigeria where no one is left behind.”
As Nigeria moves forward, this meeting stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of grassroots engagement, and the unwavering determination of the disability community to ensure that their rights are recognized and respected. With leaders like Hon. Abba Isa, Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, and Mr. Job Napoleon Agbor at the forefront, the future looks brighter for persons with disabilities across the nation.
