Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge – Simon Sinek
It is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another – John C. Maxwell
Time is neutral and does not change things. It is leaders courage and initiative that brings change – Jesse Jackson
Leadership is influence – John C. Maxwell
Never mistake the power of influence – Jim Rohn
It is in this respect to the enormous power that community and religious leaders have on mindset shift and in influencing decisions of those in government that we at VDI in partnership with Kwara State JONAPWD with support from AmplifyChange, initiated and held a Dialogue and Sensitization Meeting with community and religious leaders today Sat 7th December 2024 at the Emir’s Palace Ilorin.
This meeting brought powerful and influential community and religious leaders inclusive of the Emirate Council leaders, General Overseers of big churches in Kwara, Christian Association of Nigeria Kwara State chapter, Muslim/Islamic Councils/Association, influential women leaders, priests inclusive of Catholic Church, lyalojas among many others. In attendance also are representatives of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (Kwara State Chapter), VDI team and other seasoned disability rights and inclusion advocates. The objective is to collectively seek measures to advance the SRHR of women and girls with disabilities and protect them from GBV.
We believe that whatever positive change or cause that one is pushing into the society, community and religious leaders wield so much influence that if you do not key in and work with them, you have not yet started.
We emphasized the need for Disability Rights Commission in Kwara State to ensure sustainable inclusion that will include advancement and safeguard of the SRHRs of our women and protection from GBV. Special thanks to Prof. Bisi Adewusi Olawuyi, the Mummy GO of Trinity Household of Faith (THF) Ilorin for weighing in to ensure the event is a huge success.
