By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has called on stakeholders spearheading the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Disability Commission to adopt a reflective, strategic, and lessons-based approach to ensure the Commission’s immediate and effective takeoff.
Speaking at a media roundtable organized by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), North Central Zone—with the support of Sightsavers International Nigeria, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, and CBM—Hon. Abba Isa, who was represented by his Director Media and Communications, Mr Lanre Oloyede, emphasized the importance of learning from both the successes and early challenges of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). Doing so, he said, would help avoid unnecessary pitfalls and significantly shorten the new Commission’s learning curve.
“This reflective and intentional approach,” he noted, “will ensure the FCT Disability Commission hits the ground running and becomes a model for other subnational structures.”
Commending the leadership and members of JONAPWD for convening the roundtable, Abba Isa described the initiative as timely and strategic. He highlighted the importance of such platforms in fostering collaboration, shaping public discourse, and developing coordinated advocacy strategies to fast-track the creation of a functional and responsive Commission.
“I also wish to extend special appreciation to the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the National Assembly for their efforts in domesticating the National Disability Act within the FCT,” he added. “This action represents a significant step toward ensuring the rights, dignity, and welfare of Persons with Disabilities are respected and upheld within the capital territory.”
According to Hon. Abba Isa, the proposed FCT Disability Commission holds great promise for the over 400,000 persons with disabilities living in the territory. Once established, the Commission will serve as a critical institution for promoting accessibility, protecting rights, empowering individuals economically, and enhancing service delivery for persons with disabilities.
He reiterated the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities through the Renewed Hope Agenda. “The Federal Government,” he assured, “is fully prepared to provide the necessary support to ensure the smooth take-off and long-term success of the FCT Disability Commission.”
Concluding his remarks, Hon. Abba Isa reaffirmed the readiness of his office to partner with all relevant stakeholders in turning the vision of an inclusive and empowered FCT into reality. “Let us continue to work together,” he urged, “to ensure that no one is left behind.”
