The Albinism Association of Nigeria, AAN, has taken a major step in strengthening disability rights advocacy by training Organizations of Persons with Disabilities OPDs, and key stakeholders on effective advocacy strategies ahead of the Global Disability Summit.
The one-day training, held in Abuja, was supported by the Global Disability Rights Fund and focused on equipping OPDs with the skills needed to push for inclusive policies at the national and international levels. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to amplify the voices of marginalized groups at the upcoming summit in Germany.
Speaking virtually at the event, AAN’s National President, Bisi Bamishe, emphasized the importance of ensuring that disability inclusion remains a priority in policy discussions.
“When we started in December last year, we ran with the vision and main objective of the project, which reflects the needs of the ability community and other marginalized groups,” Bamishe stated. “It is with joy that I express my desire for the ability community to have a space to thrive and find value in this project.”
The training brought together individuals from various disability groups, including little people, persons with intellectual disabilities, and other key stakeholders. It followed a structured process, beginning with a one-day reception meeting, where AAN’s technical team, consultants, and stakeholders developed a strategy for effective project implementation.
The association also engaged with authorities to identify key commitments for the Global Disability Summit, ensuring that the concerns of persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups are well-represented.
As part of the preparation process, a validation meeting was held with representatives of five marginalized groups to review the draft commitments. AAN worked closely with Juniper at the national level, and both organizations submitted their recommendations to the government.
Bamishe stressed the need to ensure that these commitments do not end at the summit but are effectively implemented in Nigeria.
“Today’s meeting is focused on strategizing how to ensure that the government follows through with implementing these commitments after the summit,” she said. “This coordination meeting, involving OPDs and other stakeholders, aims to develop a plan to hold the government accountable for the commitments it has received.”
She urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute ideas on how to ensure government accountability in implementing the proposed policies.
Echoing similar concerns, a member of the Board of Trustees of AAN,Mr. Emeka Ogwu, highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s participation in the Global Disability Summit and the need for strong government commitment.
“We are really glad at the amount of effort and collaboration that has gone into this together. And we are going to have strong representation in Germany this time around. The acting president of the Albinism Association of Nigeria is going to be there in person,” Ogwu stated.
He further noted that Reverend Jacob Pellek, President and CEO of the Albina Foundation, would also be present at the summit. Reverend Pellek, known for his years of advocacy for persons with disabilities, is expected to play a key role in the discussions.
While commending the Nigerian government for its support so far, Ogwu emphasized the need for action beyond political rhetoric.
“Let them focus on the key issues and avoid making political statements. But just say simple, practical things that show they will follow through. Follow through those resolutions at that summit and implement them,” he urged.
Ogwu stressed that these resolutions, if properly implemented, would have a direct impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.
“Persons with disabilities live with a lot of challenges. And the way the world moves, the way society moves globally, people who do not have disabilities move at a very quick pace. But persons with disabilities tend to be slowed down by various challenges,” he said.
According to him, this reality underscores the importance of advocating for inclusion to ensure that no one is left behind. He called on the government to approach the summit with a human-centered perspective, recognizing that millions of lives would be impacted by their decisions.
“We encourage the government to put a human face to it. Millions of lives will be touched, and they will be happy for it,” Ogwu concluded.
With this training, AAN has set the stage for a stronger disability rights advocacy movement in Nigeria, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are heard at the Global Disability Summit and beyond.
