Nigeria’s movement for disability rights reached a significant milestone with the official unveiling of The Ability Life Initiative (TALI), a leading advocacy group, at a high-profile event held on February 20, 2025, at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and human rights advocates, highlighting a collective commitment to advancing disability rights and fostering a more inclusive society.
Under the theme “The Journey, The Impact, and The Future,” the unveiling of TALI set the stage for transformative action, strengthening partnerships and policy commitments to create a Nigeria where persons with disabilities can thrive.
Among the esteemed attendees was His Excellency, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Governor of Kwara State, who, in his goodwill message, commended TALI’s founders, Oprah Uzodimma and Prada Uzodimma, for their dedication to championing the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Also in attendance was His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru, who delivered a speech applauding TALI’s bold initiative and urging all stakeholders to take decisive action towards an more inclusive society.
The First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, who was also in attendance, participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Bridging the Gap: Advancing Disability Rights and Inclusion in Nigeria.”
The event was marked by significant commitments from key government officials, notably, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, who announced a partnership between her ministry and TALI to distribute Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tablets to students with speech and language disabilities across Nigeria’s 36 states; Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, pledged automatic employment for two persons with disabilities in his ministry and a minimum 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities in all ministry projects and programs; Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North Senatorial District) revealed he had recently introduced a bill in the Senate to strengthen legal protections for persons with disabilities; Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, called for an increase in the 5% employment threshold for persons with disabilities, advocating for greater inclusion in the workforce; and Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, pledged pro bono legal representation for persons with disabilities through a partnership with TALI.
With this groundbreaking initiative, TALI has cemented its place as a leading voice in disability advocacy, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight for equal rights and opportunities in Nigeria.
The event ended with a closing remark from Oprah-Uzodimma Ohaeri on behalf of the organization, who expressed her gratitude to distinguished guests and attendees for being part of the unveiling and reiterated the efforts of Tali in creating a more equitable society for all.