Office of the SSAP on Special Needs & Equal Opportunities Nigeria

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa has called for decisive action to ensure that Nigeria’s Disability Act moves beyond symbolism and delivers tangible benefits to the people it was enacted to protect, in line with the inclusive governance vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking as Special Guest at the 7th Anniversary of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, Hon. Abba Isa, who was ably represented by his Director of Media and Communications, Mr. Lanre Oloyede, declared that the law “must live, breathe, and work for the people.” He warned against a situation where the landmark legislation ends up like many other Nigerian laws that remain unimplemented years after enactment, stressing that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places strong emphasis on inclusion, equity, and social justice for all Nigerians, including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The anniversary event, organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and hosted by the National Human Rights Commission, was held under the theme “Nigeria’s Disability Act: Raising the Momentum for Effective Implementation.” According to the presidential aide, the theme reflects the current administration’s resolve, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, to translate legislative achievements into real and measurable improvements in the lives of over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities.

While acknowledging notable progress, including the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the domestication of the Act by about 28 states, Hon. Abba Isa lamented that implementation remains weak across many sectors. He noted that several states that have domesticated the law are yet to establish functional implementation and enforcement agencies, thereby reducing domestication to a largely symbolic exercise, contrary to the spirit of President Tinubu’s inclusive governance philosophy.

He identified key barriers to effective implementation to include weak institutional frameworks, inadequate funding, low awareness of the law among Persons with Disabilities and duty bearers, limited political will at the sub-national level, poor inter-agency coordination, insufficient data, and weak enforcement mechanisms.

To address these challenges, the SSA outlined a multi-pronged approach, urging states to urgently establish and adequately fund Disability Commissions or equivalent agencies. He also stressed the need for sustained nationwide awareness campaigns and capacity-building programmes to empower PWDs to claim their rights and enable institutions to meet their obligations, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently demonstrated commitment to leaving no Nigerian behind.

Disability inclusion, he added, must be mainstreamed into all government policies, budgets, and procurement processes, while stronger collaboration among government, civil society, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), the private sector, and development partners is required to drive accountability and compliance, in support of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to action over legislation, noting that laws only become meaningful when they translate into improved lives.

“Today, as part of the reset, we gather to drive implementation of the Disability Act, ensuring PWDs’ rights are protected and they are included in decision-making. Our theme emphasizes action over legislation, galvanizing a more inclusive society through participatory implementation,” he said.

Also speaking, the African Director of the Disability Rights Fund, Dr. Theophilus, urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward implementation, stressing that the Fund would continue to support Organisations of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria to advance disability rights in line with the provisions of the Act.

In his opening remarks, Founder of CCD, Mr. David Anyaele, reflected on the long struggle that led to the passage of the Disability Act, describing it as a moral and collective cause rather than a quest for personal gain. He acknowledged that while the disability community has not yet reached the “promised land,” the Act has already empowered many PWDs and created livelihood opportunities.

Anyaele recounted how advocacy efforts, including protests in Abuja in January 2019, eventually drew presidential attention to the bill, culminating in its assent into law. “By this time seven years ago, it seemed impossible, but our struggles paid off,” he recalled.

Delivering a keynote presentation on the theme, Dr. Sam Amadi examined why the momentum that led to the Act’s passage appears to have waned. He described advocacy as a phased struggle and urged stakeholders not to be complacent after the initial victory. According to him, sustained pressure and renewed commitment are essential to ensure that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities functions effectively and that the promises of the Act become a lived reality for all Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria, especially under the current administration’s reform-driven leadership.

The event ended with a collective call for renewed advocacy, stronger partnerships, and concrete action to raise the momentum for effective implementation of Nigeria’s Disability Act, in full alignment with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate Nigeria.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
A*o Rock Villa
Speaker Femi GbajabiamilaKashim Shettima

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, hon. Mohammed Abba Isa has forged a strategic partnership with the International Christian Organization for Sustainable Development (ICOSD) to enhance the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable populations across Nigeria. The agreement was sealed during a brief Wednesday meeting between Isa’s team and an ICOSD delegation led by Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Joseph Aunde Vambe.

Core to the alliance is the planned public launch of Dr. Vambe’s 700-page book, THE NEW NIGERIA — COMPLIMENT TO THE GAME CHANGER, developed alongside the Akume for Tinubu Support Group 2027. It offers a detailed look at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative reforms, policies, and leadership, emphasizing the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of a trillion-dollar economy by 2030 and poverty alleviation.

Book launch and sales proceeds will support empowerment for PWDs, women, youths, seniors, and IDPs via initiatives in agriculture for food security, digital literacy, technical training, entrepreneurship, education, creative sectors, and community efforts. These will reach all 8,809 wards in Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, promoting grassroots development and advancing SDGs such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities—in line with the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.

Dr. Vambe praised the administration’s grassroots-oriented reforms, including local government autonomy as a landmark achievement and the fuel subsidy removal, which has reportedly cut corruption by up to 50% per experts. Isa welcomed the private-sector-driven initiative with enthusiasm, noting its patriotic roots over government funding. He regretted that many Nigerians, especially youths, overlook the administration’s accomplishments and reforms. He deemed the partnership crucial for public sensitization, civic education, and debunking falsehoods, while advocating for truthful narratives to soothe ethno-religious frictions on security. The meeting concluded with plans for a joint Technical Working Committee to oversee implementation

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TinubuA*o Rock VillaKashim ShettimaSpeaker Femi GbajabiamilaFed Min of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development

PRESS RELEASE

November 19, 2025
For Immediate Release

SSA TO THE PRESIDENT ON SPECIAL NEEDS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FELICITATES WITH HIS EXCELLENCY, HON. MAI MALA BUNI, ON HIS BIRTHDAY

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni, on the occasion of his birthday.

In his message, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa commended Governor Buni’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Yobe State. He noted that the Governor’s establishment of the Yobe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities stands as a historic milestone and a clear demonstration of his dedication to inclusion and empowerment.

According to the SSA, this landmark achievement aligns seamlessly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and has brought dignity, opportunity, and representation to countless persons with disabilities across the state.

Hon. Abba Isa prayed for Almighty Allah to continue to bless His Excellency with long life, good health, wisdom, and greater success in his service to Yobe State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The SSA described Governor Buni as a leader whose compassion, commitment to equity, and inclusive governance continue to inspire many.

Signed:
Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, FIPMA, FCIPM, FOSHA, UN-GPD
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities
Presidency, Federal Republic of Nigeria

WORLD KINDNESS DAY 2025: SSA TO THE PRESIDENT, HON. MOHAMMED ABBA ISA, CELEBRATES WITH CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The atmosphere was filled with joy, admiration, and heartfelt celebration as stakeholders gathered at the FCT School for Children with Special Needs, Kuje, Abuja, to mark the 2024 World Kindness Day. The event featured music, dancing, a symbolic Walk for Kindness, and a colourful inclusive fashion parade showcasing the talents of children with special needs.

Speaking at the first-ever Inclusive Fashion Runway for Kindness, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon Mohammed Abba Isa, called on Nigerians to embrace kindness as a lifestyle, stressing that kindness remains the foundation of inclusion and the heartbeat of humanity.

“Kindness is not just an act; it is a lifestyle. It is the foundation of inclusion, the heartbeat of compassion, and the true measure of our shared humanity,” he said.

Hon. Abba Isa urged all stakeholders to work together towards a Nigeria where kindness and inclusion move hand in hand, and where every citizen—abled or disabled—can thrive and succeed.

Organized under the theme “Kindness for All Abilities”, the event brought together children with disabilities, parents, caregivers, professional models, and guests in a beautiful celebration of diversity and creativity.

The SSA applauded the organisers for their commitment to promoting inclusion through fashion, describing the initiative as one that goes beyond style to emphasize dignity, humanity, and the limitless nature of kindness.

“This event sends a strong message that kindness knows no barrier, creativity has no boundary, and beauty comes in all forms and abilities,” he noted.

Hon. Abba Isa reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which ensures that no Nigerian is left behind. He restated his mandate to mainstream disability inclusion across government institutions, civil society, and development partners.

He also encouraged Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to take advantage of platforms like this to showcase their skills and inspire others with their resilience.

The event featured performances by Kind Toby, the face of the celebration, as well as goodwill messages from dignitaries including Senator Frank Ibezim, who commended the organisers and applauded the FRSC for its participation. Senator Ibezim emphasized the importance of recognizing the abilities within disability and praised the SSA and all supporters for their dedication, especially on short notice.

A key highlight of the day was the unveiling of the Literacy Kindness Books Initiative, including “I Can Share,” “Be Kind,” and “Disability Awareness.”

Dignitaries in attendance included:
• Headteacher, FCT School for Children with Special Needs, Kuje
• Director, Special Needs, FCT Education Secretariat
• Chairman, UBEB
• Director, Primary School Services, UBEB
• Mrs. Noni Okocha
• Mr. Onwurah Agility, President, Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festivals
• CRC Reginald Ezurike, FRSC Kuje Unit Commander

The 2024 celebration stood as a strong reminder that kindness has no boundaries—and that with compassion and inclusion, every Nigerian can find a place to shine.

A*o Rock Villa
Kashim Shettima
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila
Fed Min of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social DevelopmentNational Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

OFFICE OF THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT ON SPECIAL NEEDS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Discovering Ability in Disability: Federal Government’s Initiative to Empower Persons with Disabilities Through Talent Discovery and Skill Development

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, is pleased to announce the launch of a transformative national initiative aimed at empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) by focusing on their inherent abilities and talents.

This program, themed “Discovering Ability in Disability,” builds upon the foundational achievements of the Beyond Disability Project, a federal effort that has successfully promoted inclusion and empowerment for thousands of Nigerians with special needs.

The official launch is scheduled for 14 November 2025 in Kaduna State, signifying a significant advancement in the nation’s commitment to fostering inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities for all citizens.

The Beyond Disability Project, executed under the auspices of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, has established a robust framework for challenging societal stereotypes and providing supportive structures for PWDs, with an emphasis on their capabilities rather than limitations.

Through this project, thousands of Nigerians with disabilities have received training, mentorship, and resources to enable meaningful contributions to society. It has demonstrated the efficacy of targeted governmental interventions combined with empathy and innovation in effecting positive change.

The “Discovering Ability in Disability” program represents an extension and amplification of these accomplishments, with the objective of generating 36,550 opportunities across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

The launch event on 14 November 2025 in Kaduna State will convene government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and a community of PWDs who have completed intensive training and are prepared to exhibit their talents.

This initiative transcends a singular event; it constitutes a comprehensive movement. Following the Kaduna launch, the program will be progressively implemented in other states, establishing a sustainable institutional framework for the empowerment of PWDs. This will evolve episodic training into an enduring system for nationwide inclusion and skill enhancement.

Fundamentally, the program is designed to identify latent talents, cultivate them through expert guidance, and furnish participants with the necessary tools and platforms to excel in the contemporary economy.

A key impetus for this initiative is the recognition that many PWDs, despite limited access to formal education, possess exceptional skills, creativity, and potential. Rather than dwelling on deficiencies, the program accentuates inherent strengths, including natural aptitudes, entrepreneurial acumen, and innovative capacities.

Participants will undergo training in diverse disciplines, including:
• Arts and Crafts: Facilitating the conversion of creative endeavors into viable income sources.
• Music and Performing Arts: Enabling the utilization of music for advocacy and economic gain.
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Digital Skills: Introducing opportunities in digital entrepreneurship, coding, and freelancing.
• Vocational and Technical Training: Imparting skills in tailoring, carpentry, fashion design, and shoemaking to promote employability and self-sufficiency.
• Business and Entrepreneurship Development: Providing instruction in financial literacy, marketing, and small business management.

These interventions are intended to foster independence, self-assurance, and dignity, thereby positioning participants as creators of employment rather than seekers thereof.

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities remains at the vanguard of inclusive policy formulation in Nigeria. The office advocates for equity, accessibility, and representation of individuals with special needs across all sectors.

Under its stewardship, initiatives such as the Beyond Disability Project and the present “Discovering Ability in Disability” program have redirected national focus toward capacity enhancement, economic integration, and societal acceptance. The office collaborates with ministries, non-governmental organizations, and private sector entities to devise interventions that tangibly enhance the lives of PWDs, encompassing skill acquisition, education, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.

This initiative is a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive economic growth, social investment, education, health, and ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, including persons with disabilities.

The agenda emphasizes reforming the economy for sustained inclusive development, strengthening national security, boosting agriculture for food security, and focusing on education, health, and social protection as essential pillars.

By advancing disability inclusion as a matter of justice rather than charity, this program aligns with the administration’s vision of building an equitable society where every citizen has access to opportunities for prosperity and dignity.

This program also aligns with the Federal Government’s obligations under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

A salient aspect of the program is its expansive scope, targeting the creation of 36,550 opportunities symbolic of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These opportunities will encompass direct employment, entrepreneurial assistance, training placements, grants, and mentorship schemes.

This methodology acknowledges the heterogeneity of PWDs, affirming that each possesses distinct potential requiring tailored empowerment. By delivering multifaceted training and facilitating market linkages, the initiative delineates a pathway from skill acquisition to sustainable income generation.

The selection of Kaduna State for the inaugural event underscores principles of inclusion, unity, and accessibility. Kaduna embodies Nigeria’s diversity, encompassing varied backgrounds, ethnicities, and faiths. The event will feature presentations by PWDs who have completed specialized training, demonstrating their capabilities to an assembly of policymakers, business leaders, and the general public.

This exhibition will not only spotlight individual accomplishments but also convey a profound message: disability does not equate to inability. By affording PWDs platforms for performance, presentation, and production, the initiative erodes entrenched stereotypes and galvanizes national endorsement.

Historically, discourse on disability in Nigeria has been predicated on charity and sympathy. The “Discovering Ability in Disability” program intentionally reorients this paradigm toward empowerment, equality, and respect.

As society acknowledges the talents, intellect, and creativity of PWDs, it paves the way for a more inclusive economy and a compassionate nation. With such initiatives, disability inclusion emerges as a collective national imperative rather than a peripheral concern.

This shift is anticipated to motivate private sector employers, educational institutions, and policymakers to value the contributions of PWDs. The program’s prominence is expected to stimulate corporate social responsibility endeavors and promote the broader implementation of inclusive employment practices.

Subsequent to the Kaduna launch, the program will advance to a national deployment phase, extending to all states of the Federation. Ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and mentorship will ensure sustained support for participants beyond initial training.

This initiative represents more than an occurrence; it embodies a social and economic paradigm shift. By identifying and nurturing the abilities of PWDs, Nigeria advances toward a society wherein every individual may contribute substantively to national progress.

The “Discovering Ability in Disability” initiative exemplifies the possibilities arising from the confluence of vision, compassion, and purposeful policy. It reflects a government that perceives potential amid challenges — a government resolute in constructing a Nigeria where inclusion is indispensable.

Through the empowerment of thousands of PWDs nationwide, this program articulates an unequivocal message: every Nigerian, irrespective of physical circumstance, merits the opportunity to aspire, innovate, and achieve.

The Beyond Disability Project sowed the seeds; “Discovering Ability in Disability” now yields enduring benefits for future generations.

SIGNED:
Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, (FIPMA, FCIPM, FOSHA, UN-GPD)
Senior Special Assistant to the President
On Special Needs and Equal Opportunities

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TinubuMohammed Abba IsaKashim ShettimaA*o Rock VillaNational Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria Speaker Femi GbajabiamilaFed Min of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development

In a significant move to advance disability-inclusive governance, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Abba Isa, and the Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, have established a strategic partnership. Their meeting, held at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, represents a major step forward in promoting inclusive governance within Kaduna State.

This visit by the Presidential aide was also part of the Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program, an initiative launched by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities (OSSAP). During the meeting, Hon. Abba Isa presented an award of excellence to Governor Sani, recognizing his leadership among other governors in championing inclusive governance.

Earlier in February, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu inaugurated the first edition of the Disability Inclusion Governors Connect Program. This program, created by Hon. Abba Isa, is designed to foster strategic partnerships with Nigerian Governors, aiming to develop a national consensus on disability-friendly policies in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The program’s objectives include connecting with all 36 state Governors, raising awareness on disability issues, ensuring compliance with disability norms, providing technical support, rating and inducting compliant administrators into the Disability-Friendly Hall of Fame, and continuously monitoring their progress. Its action plan includes conducting disability inclusion audits across states, organizing seminars and awareness events, and hosting a Governors Connect Conference on Disability Inclusion to form a national consensus on disability-friendly policies across the federation.

During their discussion, Hon. Abba Isa and Governor Sani focused on strengthening their collaboration to create a mutually beneficial relationship that will advance disability inclusion across Kaduna State.

In his remarks, the Senior Presidential aide praised Governor Sani for his efforts in promoting inclusive governance, highlighting that Kaduna State stands out among its peers. The Chief of Staff to the SSAP, Barr. Yusuf Iyodo, also noted that Kaduna State has met the initial criteria to be recognized as a disability-compliant state. He explained that Kaduna has fulfilled the key parameters, including the enactment of disability laws, establishment of an implementation agency, inclusion of disability sensitivity in development plans, provision of disability-responsive budgeting across sectors, and ensuring disability-sensitive procurement and governance.

“You have met all the basic criteria and parameters, which qualifies you to be recognized as a disability-compliant state,” Iyodo confirmed.

In response, Governor Sani expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to inclusive governance. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering dedication to justice and equality, emphasizing that Tinubu has always fought for these values.

Governor Sani further explained that Kaduna’s compliance with disability standards was a result of a deliberate policy on inclusive governance and equal opportunities in the state. He assured the SSAP of Kaduna State’s full support for initiatives aimed at promoting disability inclusion.

“Kaduna State government is with you. We support every one of your activities. Thank you for coming. This is the beginning of our partnership,” the Governor declared.

The meeting concluded with Governor Sani signing the Disability Inclusion Governors’ Connect flex, symbolizing his commitment to the cause, and the presentation of an award plaque recognizing his outstanding contributions to disability-inclusive governance. This strategic partnership is expected to set a new standard for inclusive governance in Nigeria, with Kaduna State leading the way in ensuring equal opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of their abilities.

The SSAP on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities Launches NigWED Project Initiatives to Support Menstrual Health and Empower Women with Disabilities

In a groundbreaking move, the NigWED Project has launched a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing menstrual health and economic empowerment for women with disabilities. The project, supported by the government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Abba Isa organized a flagship event to mark the official flag-off, capacity building, training, and free distribution of reusable sanitary pads.

The initiative seeks to equip women and girls with disabilities with essential skills and resources, enabling them to manage their menstrual health effectively and promoting economic independence through entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, the project introduced orange-fleshed sweet potato farming, targeting persons with disabilities. This agricultural initiative promises nutritional and medicinal benefits, mitigating hunger and unemployment among PWDs, and fostering inclusive growth and development.

The Senior Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities expressed commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the well-being and empowerment of women with disabilities. "The NigWED Project's efforts align perfectly with our goals of promoting inclusivity and providing tangible solutions to pressing societal challenges."

The NigWED Project's endeavors have received praise for their innovative approach and tangible impact on the lives of women with disabilities. As the initiative gains momentum, stakeholders anticipate further strides in advancing menstrual health, economic empowerment, and inclusive agricultural practices across Nigeria.