… Says kindness and inclusion should go hand in hand
By Lanre Oloyede
The atmosphere was filled with praises, admiration, joy, and heartfelt celebration as stakeholders gathered at the FCT School for Children with Special Needs, Kuje, Abuja, to mark the 2024 World Kindness Day. It was a day of love and togetherness, highlighted by music, dancing, and a colourful fashion parade featuring 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, urged Nigerians to show kindness to one another, especially to children with special needs. According to him, kindness remains a powerful tool for promoting inclusion and strengthening the bonds of humanity.
“As we mark World Kindness Day, let us remember that 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 called on all stakeholders to work toward building a Nigeria where kindness and inclusion go hand in hand and where every citizen—abled or disabled—can thrive, contribute, and succeed.
Organized under the theme “Kindness for All Abilities,” the Inclusive Fashion Runway brought together children with disabilities, professional fashion models, parents, caregivers, and guests in a celebration of diversity, creativity, and compassion.
The SSA commended the organizers for their thoughtfulness and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through fashion and creativity. He noted that the event goes beyond style, emphasizing humanity, dignity, and the boundless nature of kindness.
“This event sends a strong message that kindness knows no barrier, that creativity has no boundary, and that beauty comes in all forms and abilities,” he noted. “It gives hope, visibility, and a renewed sense of belonging to Persons with Disabilities by providing them with an avenue to showcase their talents.”
Hon. Abba Isa highlighted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes that no Nigerian should be left behind. He reaffirmed his mandate to ensure the inclusion of disability perspectives across government ministries, agencies, civil society groups, development partners, and other stakeholders.
He also pledged continued support for initiatives that promote equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, describing the fashion industry as a promising sector full of potential for innovation, creativity, and economic empowerment.
“I urge all PWDs present here today to take full advantage of this platform—to showcase your potential, express your creativity, and inspire others with your brilliance and resilience,” he said.
The event featured a symbolic Walk for Kindness, a fashion parade by children with special needs, professional models, parents, and guests, as well as live musical performances by Kind Toby, who also served as the face of the event. In his remarks, Toby expressed gratitude to all participants and encouraged Nigerians to continue spreading kindness.
In his goodwill message, Senator Frank Ibezim commended the Corps Commandant of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, for its participation and applauded the organizers for promoting inclusion. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the abilities within disability and praised the SSA and all supporters for their commitment, especially on short notice.
One of the highlights of the day was the unveiling of the Literacy Kindness Books Initiative by Hon. Abba Isa. The books launched include “I Can Share,” “Be Kind,” and “Disability Awareness.”
Dignitaries present at the event included:
- The Headteacher, FCT School for Children with Special Needs, Kuje
- Director, Special Needs, FCT Education Secretariat
- Chairman, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB)
- Director, Primary School Services, UBEB
- Mrs. Noni Okocha
- Mr. Onwurah Agility, President, Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festivals
- CRC Reginald Ezurike, FRSC Kuje Unit Commander
