DADI Founder Champions Nigeria’s First Inclusive National Reality Talent Show, Backed by N1 Billion Ability Talent Fund
ABUJA, September 18, 2026 — For Mr. Steve Rodstick Ezeh, the founder of the Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative (DADI), disability inclusion is more than a campaign slogan. It is a commitment to discovering hidden talents, creating opportunities and ensuring that persons with disabilities have the platform to showcase their abilities to the world.
Driven by this vision, Ezeh is spearheading an ambitious initiative to transform the narrative around disability in Nigeria through the PWDs Got Talent Reality TV Show 2026, a groundbreaking project designed to discover, develop and project talented persons with disabilities as stars.
The initiative, which is being implemented in partnership with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), took a significant step forward on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with the inauguration of six strategic sub-committees to oversee the delivery of the maiden national inclusive reality talent show.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Commission’s Conference Hall in Abuja, was presided over by the NCPWD Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aliyu Agwai.
From Discovering Abilities to Creating National Stars
Ezeh’s vision is anchored on the belief that persons with disabilities possess exceptional talents that deserve recognition, investment and a national audience.
Speaking on the initiative, he emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to move beyond societal limitations and demonstrate their abilities in an environment that celebrates talent and creativity.
The 2026 theme, “Discovering Abilities in Disabilities,” reflects DADI’s mission to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusion and establish a platform where talented Nigerians with disabilities can compete, grow and pursue sustainable careers in the entertainment industry.
The reality show is envisioned as a world-class production that will not only entertain audiences but also challenge prevailing perceptions of disability and encourage society to recognize the contributions of persons with disabilities.
N1 Billion Ability Talent Fund to Support Participants
A major feature of the project is the N1 billion Ability Talent Fund, which is designed to reward outstanding talent, support enterprise development and provide opportunities for participants to build sustainable careers after the show.
The fund is expected to strengthen the project’s long-term impact by ensuring that the initiative extends beyond television appearances to meaningful economic opportunities and professional development.
For Ezeh, the project represents an opportunity to give talented persons with disabilities the visibility, recognition and support they deserve.
Six Committees to Drive the Project
To ensure effective coordination and seamless delivery, the NCPWD inaugurated six sub-committees with specific responsibilities:
- Contact and Mobilization Committee: Responsible for grassroots mobilization across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory through disability organizations, NGOs, community leaders and other stakeholders.
- Proposal and Partnership Committee: Charged with developing proposals, attracting sponsors and managing relationships with government institutions, corporate organizations and development partners.
- Media and Publicity Committee: Responsible for press relations, television and radio engagements, online campaigns and public awareness.
- Branding and Marketing Committee: Tasked with developing the show’s brand identity, merchandise, advertising and commercial positioning.
- Logistics, Protocol and Entertainment Committee: Responsible for venues, welfare, security, protocol, guest management, celebrity participation and event production.
- Inclusion and Compliance Committee: Charged with ensuring that the show meets accessibility and inclusion standards, including sign language interpretation, audio description and disability-sensitive content.
A New Chapter for Disability Representation
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan described the initiative as a historic development in Nigeria’s disability inclusion efforts.
Represented by Mr. Aliyu Agwai, the Executive Secretary said the project was conceived to shift the public narrative from sympathy to ability and from charity to talent and empowerment.
“Some time ago, we conceived an idea — to change the narrative from sympathy to ability, from charity to talent and empowerment. That idea has today become PWDs Got Talent Reality TV Show 2026,” he stated.
Gufwan also charged the newly inaugurated committees to work toward turning the vision into reality, emphasizing the importance of strong structures in achieving ambitious goals.
“This assignment is not just about a reality show. It is about creating role models, changing mindsets, and giving over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities a platform to show the world that there is ability in disability,” he said.
He formally inaugurated the committees and called on stakeholders to work together to make the project a success.
NCPWD, DADI Seek Wider Stakeholder Support
The Director of Social Integration at the NCPWD, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, commended DADI for its persistent efforts to create opportunities for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the success of the initiative.
The NCPWD subsequently called on government agencies, corporate organizations, development partners, the media and the general public to support and partner with the project.
With the inauguration of the six sub-committees, Steve Rodstick Ezeh’s vision of creating a national platform for discovering and celebrating the talents of persons with disabilities has moved into a new phase.
As preparations advance for PWDs Got Talent Reality TV Show 2026, the initiative seeks to place ability, creativity and opportunity at the centre of Nigeria’s disability inclusion conversation.
The message behind the project is clear: disability should never be a barrier to discovering, celebrating and investing in talent.
The Qualitative Magazine (TQM)
