Potters Gallery Initiative organized Abuja International Arts Ability Festival to commemorate the international day for persons with disabilities. The event which was sponsored by CBM, British Council and American Embassy exhibited a range of artworks made by persons with disabilities. It also an exhibition of handmade shoes and bags, beads, disinfectants and soaps, all made by persons with disabilities especially women with disabilities.
The event which took place on 3rd and 4th December, 2019 in Abuja was characterized by cultural dances, drama performances from the deaf community including National Anthem display in sign language by deaf children, music performances from Abuja musician with physical disability and also from blind musician who came all the way from Lagos.
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The highlight of the event was the gallery tour led by Donald Unaka the Founder of Potters Gallery Initiative. He explained to the guests what each artwork is portraying. Some of the work, the owners were portraying their experience at polling booth at the last election, and also a sketch of art illustrating the Future is Accessible.
The program officer of CBM, Dr. Israel Balogun who represented the Country Director of CBM in his goodwill message called for unity and togetherness among persons with disabilities in Nigeria. He said that persons with disabilities in Nigeria needs to be in unity to achieve a lot especially now that there is disability act. To achieve the implementation of the act, all hands must be on desk. He also urges persons with disabilities to get a hold of the act, other legislations and policies on disability issues read them because persons with disabilities should know their rights and when to demand for them.
The American embassy showed a video documentary about deaf football team from California who competed with other football teams without hearing impairment and they emerged champion in American school football competition. The story was to motivate others who are still thinking that their disability is a barrier to their success.
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SEE THE PICTURES OF THE EVENT:
