In furtherance of the mandate graciously entrusted to me by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to create and expand avenues for the inclusion, empowerment, and welfare of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria, I recently held a high-level strategic meeting with the leadership of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), under the capable and visionary leadership of its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali.
The meeting, which took place at the Commission’s headquarters in Maiduguri, also had in attendance the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Dr. Garba Abubakar Iliya; the General Manager, Administration, Alhaji Kadai Usman; and the Yobe State Coordinator, Professor Ali Ibrahim Abbas.
The outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a strong institutional partnership between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities and the NEDC, particularly in the rehabilitation, resettlement, and empowerment of PWDs affected by the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency and recurrent flood disasters ravaging the North-East region.
During the meeting, the Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to partner with my office in addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting PWDs in the region. He emphasized that this collaboration will prioritize skills acquisition programmes, digital and ICT training, and empowerment initiatives specifically designed to uplift and restore hope to PWDs who have been severely impacted by these crises.
Through this partnership, we are working towards targeted interventions such as the provision of assistive devices, inclusive ICT training, and economic empowerment opportunities aimed at enhancing independence, skills, and livelihoods for persons with special needs across the North-East.
As you may be aware, the North-East, having borne the brunt of insurgency, displacement, and other humanitarian crises, records the highest number of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. This reality underscores the urgency of intentional, inclusive programming that leaves no one behind — a goal both our offices are resolutely committed to achieving. These crises have had a compounding effect, leaving many individuals with disabilities displaced, impoverished, and in dire need of structured rehabilitation and sustainable livelihoods. Therefore, this strategic partnership marks a critical step towards ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind in the rebuilding and recovery process of the region.
I sincerely commend Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali for his exceptional leadership, unwavering patriotism, and deep commitment to rebuilding the North-East through inclusive and sustainable development programmes. His focus on human capital development, social stabilization, and empowerment resonates deeply with the Renewed Hope philosophy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and continues to bring tangible transformation to millions across the region.
The North East Development Commission, under his stewardship, has remained a shining model of purposeful leadership and institutional dedication — championing initiatives that not only rebuild infrastructure but also rebuild lives. The synergy and professionalism demonstrated by the Commission’s top management team and directors are equally commendable, reflecting a shared sense of mission and national service.
His reappointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a testament to his competence, compassion, and the tangible impact of his efforts in improving the lives of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.
I also extend my deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his trust and confidence in appointing me as his Senior Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities. This appointment has afforded me the platform to advocate more effectively for the inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment of PWDs across all sectors, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.
Through partnerships like this with the NEDC and other key stakeholders, we are working towards building a Nigeria where every citizen — regardless of ability — can contribute meaningfully to national development and live with dignity, opportunity, and hope.
Together, we reaffirm our collective commitment to deepening inclusion and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR — ensuring that development in the North-East is not only visible but also inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.
