Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs has called on Persons With Disabilities in the State to work together in order to create a brighter future where members would be valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
The Executive Secretary, office for disability affairs, Hon.Yakubu Abdulhakeem made the call on Thursday during the celebration of World Disability Day 2025 in Lokoja the state capital.
Abdulhakeem who commended the state governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his wife Sefinat Ododo for prioritizing the welfare of the Persons With Disabilities in the State, appealed to well meaning individuals and corporate organizations to contribute their quota toward empowering Persons With Disabilities to enable them live a fulfilled life.
“I am honoured to express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, for his steadfast commitment to the cause of Persons with Disabilities.
“His tireless efforts in ensuring the total implementation of the Disability Law in Kogi State are proof of his visionary leadership and dedication to creating a more inclusive society. We are proud to have him as our leader and appreciate his commitment to appointing a Person with Disability to head this agency.
We also acknowledge our mother, Her Excellency Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, for her selfless service and unshakable support to Persons with Disabilities. She is a true champion of inclusivity and a driving force behind our efforts. Her dedication to creating a more inclusive society is a beacon of hope for us all” he stated.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration “Fostering disability inclusive society for advancing social progress,” the Executive Secretary said the them resonates deeply with the collective aspiration for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Rachael Akande who presented a paper on behalf of Kogi NGOS Network, assured that the Network will continue to strengthen inclusion, dignity, and rights for Persons With Disabilities in Kogi State.
She stated that , in Nigeria an estimated
25 million citizens are persons with disabilities, noting that the signing of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 has given recognition to disability community.
She urged the Kogi State government to look into the critical gaps that continue to hinder full participation and equal access for Persons with Disabilities in the state.
The highlight of the celebration is the distribution of modern wheel chairs, clutches , walking stick , umbrella among other items by Kogi state government to ease the movement of persons with disabilities from one place to another.
It is with profound gratitude and immense pleasure that I, Hon. Yakubu Nazir Abdulhakeem (Brain Not Legs), Executive Secretary, Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs, extend a warm greeting to you all to the celebration of the World Disability Day 2025.
Today, we gather to commemorate this momentous occasion, as we reflect on the importance of creating a society that is inclusive, equitable, and just for all, particularly Persons with Disabilities.
The theme of this year’s World Disability Day, “Fostering Disability-inclusive society for advancing social progress,” underscores the imperative of creating an environment that recognizes and values the contributions of Persons with Disabilities.
It emphasizes the need for a society that empowers and enables Persons with Disabilities to participate fully and benefit from social progress. This theme resonates deeply with our collective aspiration for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
I am honoured to express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant of Kogi State, for his steadfast commitment to the cause of Persons with Disabilities.
His tireless efforts in ensuring the total implementation of the Disability Law in Kogi State are proof of his visionary leadership and dedication to creating a more inclusive society.
We are proud to have him as our leader and appreciate his commitment to appointing a Person with Disability to head this agency.
We also acknowledge our mother, Her Excellency Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, for her selfless service and unshakable support to Persons with Disabilities.
She is a true champion of inclusivity and a driving force behind our efforts. Her dedication to creating a more inclusive society is a beacon of hope for us all.
Our special thanks go to the Accountant General of Kogi State, Chief Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Nee Onumoko FCNA FCTI, aka Inclusive Mama, for her inspiration, guidance, and leadership. Her passion for creating a more inclusive society is contagious, and we are proud to have her as our Mother, Mama Kogi.
However, before we proceed further, it is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I must acknowledge a devastating tragedy that befell our community yesterday evening, the 3rd of December 2025.
Upon returning to Okene from the Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme organized by Her Excellency, the Wife of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, an 18-seater bus conveying some of our people — including about five Persons with Disabilities — was involved in a ghastly motor accident.
This heartbreaking incident resulted in the loss of six precious lives, according to the most recent information available, while several others sustained injuries of varying degrees. Among those we lost was one of our blind brothers, alongside other esteemed individuals who had just participated in an event designed to uplift and empower our community.
Today, as we observe World Disability Day, our celebration is overshadowed by grief. We mourn deeply with the families affected, with the disability community, and with the entire Kogi State.
Their loss is our loss. Their pain is our pain. May Allah grant peaceful rest to the departed souls and provide healing, comfort, and strength to the injured and bereaved. May their memories inspire us to continue the work of building a society where no one is left behind.
The Inclusive Mama, I would like to express the significance of distributing assistive devices to the disabled community.
These devices play a vital role in enabling us to overcome the obstacles that hinder our progress and prevent us from showcasing our abilities. The provision of assistive devices such as Wheelchairs, Crutches, Canes Guide, Walking Stick, Umbrella and other mobility aids will empower us to participate fully in our communities and live independently. We are grateful for your support and commitment to this cause, and we believe that with your help, we can create a more inclusive environment that allows everyone to thrive.
Today marks a milestone in Kogi State, as we celebrate World Disability Day in line with the exact period, December 3rd and 4th, for the first time in history. We also remember our revered father, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the founder of this agency, and pray that Allah keeps him safe from all harm. We appreciate the efforts of Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET) for their advocacy and support, and we are grateful for their partnership in advancing the cause of Persons with Disabilities.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the MDAs and staff of Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs (KOSODA) for their constant support in all my activities. Without them, I would not have achieved anything. And to the community of Persons with Disabilities in Kogi State, I say: let us join hands to actualize the full implementation of our law, because NOTHING FOR US WITHOUT US. Together, we can build a more inclusive society, where everyone has equal opportunities to participate and contribute.
Let us work together to create a brighter future for all, where Persons with Disabilities are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Thank you, and may Allah bless Kogi State and all its people.
