West Africa: JONAPWD Moves For Leadership, Equal Rights For Women With Disabilities

By Ebi Kesiena

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) is championing the rights of women with disabilities in West Africa.

At a workshop in Abuja, aimed at enhancing their capacity to lead and organize representative organizations, the group said the initiative is part of the "Holding Rights, Leading for Rights" funding stream, supported by the Disability Rights Fund/Disability Rights Advocacy Fund DRF/DRAF, a U.S. Federal Government-funded project.

Speaking to journalists, National President of JONAPWD, Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, emphasized on the importance of this workshop in empowering women with disabilities from Ghana, Togo, Senegal, and Nigeria, adding that it will equip the women to spearhead wider opportunities.

Lamenting the limited opportunities available to women with disabilities, Usman maintained that at the end of the workshop, participants will gain the skills needed to advocate for their rights, challenge gender-based violence, and foster regional collaboration with mainstream women's movements for greater disability inclusion.

While presenting a Keynote address, Dr. Joan Jummai Idonije, Director PRS Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, underlined the progress in women's rights in Africa, driven by the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She stressed the continued need to emphasize disability rights to ensure equal access to opportunities for all individuals with disabilities.

Additionally, addressing a Press conference on the sidelines of the workshop, West Africa Program Manager for the Disability Rights Fund, Theophilus Odaudu, underscored the importance of supporting women with disabilities through participatory grant making and intersectional movement building. 

He noted that it had become imperative to ensure that women with disabilities are fully integrated into mainstream women's movements, hence the need for further advocacy for their rights and lead within civil society.

"As we know, women with disabilities in West Africa and across the globe faced multiple forms of discrimination and high rate of human rights violations and also receive only a very small fraction of human rights funding. As a result, they are excluded from advocating for their rights and participating as leaders in civil society and civil society species including within the disability rights and women rights movement". 

Odaudu emphasized on the critical need to support the efforts of women with disabilities through Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (opds), particularly those focused on women in West Africa. He highlighted the importance of fostering cross-movement collaboration with women's rights groups by providing resources and capacity development, adding that this approach will ensure that women with disabilities can lead alongside other stakeholders in the pursuit of equal rights.

NiDCOM Boss Congratulates Dr Ayeni, Dr Ijeoma Akunyili On Their Elections

Hon.(Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/ CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated the duo of Dr. Olufemi Ayeni and Dr. Ijeoma Akunyili on their recent elections.

While Dr. Olufemi Ayemi emerged as the 79th Canadian Orthopaedic Association’s President, Dr. Ijeoma Akunyili was also elected as an Alumni Board Member of Harvard Kennedy School, USA.

In her congratulatory message, the elated NiDCOM boss applauded their victory, describing the feat as a mark of their dedication, hardwork, , strive for success and determination for excellence.

She prayed for their success, urging them to put in their best as usual and keep bringing glory to the nation.

Dr. Ayeni, a Professor and an Academic Division Head of Orthopedic Surgery at McMaster University became a member of the Canadian Orthopedic Association (COA) on the very first day of his residency in 2002 and same at McMaster university, a feat he considers a joy of his lifetime.

He is the youngest and first Canadian Orthopedic Association President of both Nigerian and African descent in an association that has run for decades.

Dr. Ijeoma Akunyili who last year was named the Chief Medical Officer of the Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJ Barnabas Health Facility in the USA will assume her role as an alumni board member of the institution and will serve for four years.

Congratulations to the duo, wishing them great success as they move to the next level.

Information Minister Mourns Wife of Former Niger State Deputy Governor

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has extended a heart felt deep condolences to the Niger State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Garba Yakubu, and his entire family on the tragic loss of his beloved wife, Hajia Zainab.

Idris stated that words cannot adequately express the sorrow and sympathy felt for the Deputy Governor during this incredibly difficult time. He noted that the late Zainab was a remarkable woman whose kindness and dedication touched the lives of many, and her contributions to Niger State have left an indelible mark on those who were fortunate enough to know her.

He emphasized that her demise is a huge loss not only to Niger State and the womenfolk but to the nation in general. In this time of mourning, Idris expressed that their thoughts and prayers are with the Deputy Governor, and they stand with him, offering their support and strength as he navigates through this profound loss.

He concluded by praying that the memories of the beautiful moments they shared together bring the Deputy Governor comfort and solace. May God repose her soul and grant the Deputy Governor and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.