In a triumphant celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Voice of Disability Initiative orchestrated a captivating four days convergence of stakeholders from different parts of Nigeria in Abuja from 17th December (arrival date) to 20th December 2023 (departure date).
The period captured series of lined up activities which included Board and management meeting, stakeholders pre-event data validation meeting, M&E meeting, delegation visit to the National Commission for PWDS and the main event which is a one-day stakeholders meeting at Valencia Hotel, Abuja.
The event saw over 15 powerful stakeholders inclusive of BoTs from Lagos, Delta and Enugu, State Commissioners from Kwara, Ebonyi and Enugu, persons with disabilities and those in developmental work from the three project states (Kwara, Ebonyi and Enugu) and other from Abuja FCT converge in Abuja from 17th to 20th December.
On the 18th of Dec VDI also paid a visit to the ES of NCPWDS Hon. James Lalu, the esteemed Executive Secretary, who lauded VDI’s Board of Trustees and management team as exemplary ambassadors of disability inclusion in Nigeria. Acknowledging VDI’s commendable initiatives across states, he expressed the Commission’s unwavering support for VDI’s impactful endeavours. This recognition stands testament to VDI’s commitment to fostering inclusion and equity nationwide.
The main event held on 19th December at Valencia Hotel Abuja unveiled a symphony of initiatives that resonate with progress and empowerment Featuring: The launch of VDI’s 5-year Strategic Plan, Launch of Maiden Edition of VDI’s Quarterly Newsletter, Launch of 2-Years AMPLIFYCHANGE supported SRHR Project and Presentation of Outcome of Stakeholders Engagement in Ebonyi, kwara and Enugu States respectively.
VDI pursues the principle of Inclusion and is guided by the mantra, nothing about us without us.
The initiatives resonate with progress, inclusion and empowerment.
VDI’s 5-Year Strategic Plan is a grand revelation of our visionary roadmap, charting a course for the next five years, symbolizing our unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
Our quarterly newsletter emerges as a beacon, illuminating stories, insights, progress, and updates that bind our community together.
The Launch of our two-year AMPLIFYCHANGE-supported project heralds a new era in advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for women and girls with disabilities.
Our stakeholders engagement delves into the consultation and documentation of SRHR violations faced by Girls and women with disabilities in Ebonyi, Kwara, and Enugu states.
In attendance were luminaries of influence, which include The Executive Secretary of the National Commission of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), The Director of NCPWD, Mr Lawrence Idemudia, The indefatigable and insightful Kwara state Commissioner for information Hon. (Mrs) Bolanle Olukoju, former USAID Nigeria Development expert Madam Akparanta Emenogu, former Director of Personnel Management at National Assembly Abuja Dr Muhammed Umar, representative sent by NAPTIP and NHRC bosses, and a host of other dignitaries from FCT.
This harmonious collaboration echoes a resounding commitment to sculpting a future where every voice Matters.
