Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move towards refining its strategic direction and strengthening its mission to advance the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities, the Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) hosted a two-day Strategic Plan Review Retreat in Abuja. The event, held from August 20th to 21st, 2024, was supported by AmplifyChange and brought together a distinguished assembly of stakeholders, advocates, and experts dedicated to disability rights and inclusive development.
The retreat aimed to revisit and refine VDI’s strategic plan, originally designed in 2022, to ensure it accurately reflects the current realities and emerging challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The gathering saw participation from a diverse array of organizations, including the Federal Ministry of Justice, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), the Association of Lawyers with Disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN), the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Association of Women with Disabilities in Nigeria (ASWHAN), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the National Human Rights Commission, and various other disability advocates, development professionals, and gender issues experts.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Barr. Catherine Edeh, the Executive Director of VDI, who emphasized the necessity of the review. She highlighted that the strategic plan, initially crafted in 2022, had some errors and gaps that needed addressing. Additionally, she pointed out that new issues had emerged in VDI’s thematic focus areas, which required the strategic plan to be updated and enhanced.
“We believe in the collective expertise of everyone present here,” Barr. Edeh remarked. “Your insights and inputs are invaluable in enriching our strategic plan. Together, we can develop a robust framework that will guide VDI in making a lasting impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.”
Following Barr. Edeh’s opening remarks, Edward Ogenyi, the Program Manager of VDI, took the floor to present an overview of the organization’s journey thus far. He shared the numerous projects and initiatives that VDI has successfully implemented over the years, with a particular emphasis on the landmark achievement of securing the enactment of a disability law in Enugu State. This success, he noted, was the result of sustained engagement with the Enugu State government, culminating in the passage of the law by the former governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Ogenyi expressed deep gratitude to all those who contributed to these successes and reiterated VDI’s commitment to continuing its advocacy and support for persons with disabilities.
The retreat also featured goodwill messages from several key partners and stakeholders. Representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), the National Human Rights Commission, NAPTIP, and the Legal Aid Council, among others, shared their experiences of collaborating with VDI. They commended the organization’s tireless efforts in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly in areas such as health, sexual abuse prevention, employment, and education. These partners expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the strategic planning process and reiterated their commitment to supporting VDI’s mission.
The retreat provided a platform for in-depth discussions and collaborative brainstorming sessions. Participants worked in plenary sessions to make valuable inputs into the seven thematic areas that form the core of VDI’s work: Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Inclusive Education, Gender, Health, Technology, Livelihood, and Research (RIGHT-LR). The sessions were marked by a lively exchange of ideas, with each participant contributing their unique perspective and expertise. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a sense of shared purpose and dedication to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
As the retreat progressed, the participants engaged in a thorough review of VDI’s strategic plan. This comprehensive document, designed in 2022 and launched in January 2023, outlines the organization’s vision, mission, core values, governance structure, and strategic objectives for the period 2023 to 2027. The plan covers a wide range of topics, including an overview of the disability sector in Nigeria, the domesticating of disability legislation at the state level, VDI’s implementation strategies, and an assessment of the risks and critical success factors associated with its work. The review process aimed to ensure that the strategic plan is not only accurate and comprehensive but also adaptable to the evolving needs of the disability community.
Barr. Daniel Uwaezuoke, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of VDI, delivered closing remarks at the end of the retreat. He expressed his deep appreciation for the passion and dedication demonstrated by all participants. “Your contributions have been invaluable,” he said. “The insights and inputs gathered during these two days will be harmonized to produce a strategic plan that will serve as a model for others. We may call on some of you again in the future to continue strengthening VDI and its work.”
The retreat concluded on a high note, with participants expressing optimism about the future of VDI and its ability to drive positive change for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The revised strategic plan, once finalized, is expected to guide VDI’s efforts in advocating for disability rights, promoting social inclusion, and empowering persons with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives.
As VDI moves forward with its refined strategic plan, the organization remains committed to its vision of creating a more inclusive and equitable society where persons with disabilities are recognized, respected, and supported. The retreat in Abuja marked a significant step towards achieving this vision, and the collective efforts of all those involved have set the stage for impactful action in the years to come.
