The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Abba Isa, has unveiled a new national programme to empower over 36,000 persons with disabilities across the country.
The initiative, titled “Discovering Ability in Disability” (DADI), aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunity for all citizens.
Isa said the programme would identify the talents of persons with disabilities, develop their skills, and create sustainable pathways for self-reliance.
> “Through this initiative, our office will create 36,550 empowerment opportunities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said. “Every Nigerian with a disability deserves access to skill development, mentorship, and economic inclusion.”
He explained that the DADI programme builds on the success of the earlier Beyond Disability Project, describing it as a major step towards inclusive governance.
“The DADI programme represents a shift from sympathy to empowerment,” he said. “We are focusing on practical training that enables people to become independent and confident contributors to society.”
Isa listed areas of training to include arts and crafts, digital entrepreneurship, music and performing arts, tailoring, carpentry, shoemaking, and small business development.
“Our aim is to transform skills and creativity into sustainable sources of income,” he added.
The official launch is scheduled for November 14, 2025, in Kaduna State, where participants who have completed mentorship and capacity-building training will showcase their products and innovations.
“The Kaduna event will highlight what persons with disabilities can achieve when given equal opportunities,” Isa said. “After Kaduna, the programme will be scaled nationwide to ensure no one is left behind.”
Isa reaffirmed the office’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.
“At OSSAPSNEO, we believe disability does not define weakness — it reveals potential,” he stated.
He also urged stakeholders and development partners to support the project.
“Inclusion is everyone’s responsibility,” Isa said. “We must all work together to build a society where every citizen can thrive, regardless of ability.”
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