By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Chike Okogwu, founder of the Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation, and Empowerment (CARE), on the special occasion of his birthday.
In a congratulatory statement by his Director Media and Communications, Lanre Oloyede, the presidential aide, speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the over 35.1 million Nigerians with disabilities, lauded Dr. Okogwu for his dedication to the cause of inclusion and his relentless efforts in advocating for the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
“On this special occasion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Chike Okogwu. Your unwavering dedication to advocating for disability rights and inclusion has significantly advanced the cause of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria. Your passion and drive for equality are a testament to your commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind,” Hon. Abba Isa stated.
The Senior presidential aide noted that Dr. Okogwu’s contributions to the disability community extend beyond advocacy for equal opportunities; rather they align with our larger vision of ensuring every citizen, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to thrive.
The SSAP disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in recognition of Dr. Okogwu’s remarkable achievements, expressed pride in his invaluable contributions to national development, stressing that the President is proud of his work and grateful for the strides he has made in pushing the boundaries of inclusion in Nigeria.
Hon. Abba Isa further mentioned that the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities recognizes Dr. Okogwu as a worthy partner in the ongoing fight for inclusion.
He emphasized that the office is honored to collaborate with such a committed advocate, and he looked forward to future partnerships aimed at advancing the rights and opportunities for PWDs.
“As we celebrate Dr. Okogwu today, we also reaffirm our commitment to working together to create a barrier-free and inclusive Nigeria. His journey is an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to call him an ally in our mission to ensure that no one is left behind,” Hon. Abba Isa concluded.
With a diverse career that spans journalism, social commentary, administration, politics, academia, business, and strategy, Dr. Okogwu has consistently worked to elevate the voices of PWDs. His impressive journey, from the newsroom to the boardroom, highlights his versatility and unyielding resolve to push boundaries in service to humanity.
A three-time alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Dr. Okogwu has made a lasting impact through CARE, an organization dedicated to empowering PWDs and promoting accessibility across various sectors, notably in the Nigerian aviation industry. His work has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for inclusion across the country.
Dr. Okogwu’s leadership and advocacy continue to inspire hope for a more inclusive society where the rights of PWDs are fully realized, and his impact resonates across Nigeria and beyond.
