“This is not charity—it is justice in action.” With this powerful declaration, Mrs. Angelina Ugben, founder of the Global Disabilities Green Initiative (GDGI), unveiled a bold and pioneering vision: to empower 10,000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) as Green Leaders by the year 2030.
The event, held at the prestigious National Assembly Complex, Abuja, marked the official launch of the initiative’s five-year strategic roadmap—an action plan focused on equipping PWDs with skills in clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental entrepreneurship. It also aims to position PWDs as co-creators of inclusive climate solutions.
A Paradigm Shift in Climate Action
Mrs. Ugben, speaking passionately at the launch, challenged the prevailing narrative of exclusion, stating, “PWDs are not problems to be solved; they are pioneers to be empowered.” She emphasized that true inclusion means designing environmental policies with, not just for, PWDs.
“The world needs adaptive, disability-smart solutions in energy, agriculture, and technology. PWDs have the innovation, resilience, and perspective to help lead the charge. Their voices belong at the heart of climate action,” she said.
Notable Milestones Already Achieved
Though still in its early stages, GDGI has already made impactful strides:
- 25 PWDs have been trained in solar photovoltaic installation, opening new employment pathways in Nigeria’s growing renewable energy sector.
- 100 solar lamps have been distributed to schoolchildren in underserved communities, enhancing education access for learners in off-grid areas.
- 50 symbolic trees were planted in Karon Majigi, FCT, in partnership with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)—a symbolic commitment to environmental restoration and inclusion.
These accomplishments represent just the beginning of what GDGI envisions as a nationwide movement for disability-inclusive sustainability.
Legislative Backing and Political Support
Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House Committee on Persons with Disabilities, lauded GDGI for its visionary leadership and inclusive approach. He expressed his unwavering support for the initiative and underscored the urgency of addressing the barriers PWDs face.
“PWDs in Nigeria still confront deep-rooted discrimination and systemic exclusion, particularly in employment, education, and access to services. That is why the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 was passed,” he said. “The law guarantees their rights, and as a committee, we are actively monitoring its implementation across the federation.”
He commended GDGI’s proactive stance, noting that initiatives like this bridge the gap between policy and reality for many Nigerians with disabilities.
Government Backs Inclusive Climate Agenda
In a show of federal solidarity, Garba Magaji, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, represented the Minister at the event. He praised GDGI’s unique model of empowerment, stating:
“We at the Ministry are fully aligned with the principles of inclusion. We are committed to partnering with organizations like GDGI to ensure that no one is left behind, especially in climate action and economic recovery efforts.”
He pledged technical and institutional support to help scale the program across multiple states.
A Vision for an Inclusive Green Economy
The launch event brought together civil society organizations, disability rights advocates, government officials, and development partners—all united by the shared belief that sustainability must be inclusive to be effective.
Participants echoed Ugben’s call to action: “PWDs must no longer be left out of the sustainability equation.” Many acknowledged that while disability inclusion is increasingly referenced in development policies, implementation remains inconsistent and underfunded.
GDGI’s framework aims to change that by creating measurable outcomes, increasing access to green jobs, and ensuring that climate financing benefits people with disabilities directly.
Looking Ahead: A Greener, Fairer Future
As the world hurtles toward a climate tipping point, GDGI’s initiative is a reminder that the fight for sustainability must also be a fight for justice and equity.
With 2030 as the target year, the journey to empower 10,000 green leaders with disabilities has begun—not as a token gesture, but as a transformative campaign to reshape Nigeria’s environmental future.
Mrs. Ugben concluded with a powerful message of hope and accountability:
“We are planting trees, but more importantly, we are planting opportunity, dignity, and leadership. The change begins with inclusion.”
