On November 27, 2024, the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) successfully hosted the inaugural Conference of Stakeholders on Disability Inclusion in Nigeria (COSDIN). This groundbreaking event was established as an annual platform to engage stakeholders from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in meaningful discussions surrounding the rights of persons with disabilities.
COSDIN aims to enhance accountability among key enablers and drivers responsible for creating an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable society in Nigeria. The conference emphasized the importance of co-creating solutions that reflect the lived experiences and needs of the disability community, ensuring that proposed mainstreaming strategies are rights-based.
This year’s conference sought to evaluate existing accountability mechanisms for disability rights across the nation, particularly in light of the post-moratorium period that began earlier in 2024.
Key participants included:
National Presidents from various associations, including:
National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities
National Association for the Deaf
National Association for the Blind
Association for Intellectual and Development Disabilities
National Association for Persons with Disabilities
A representative from the House Committee Chairman on Disability Matters
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs
Representatives from the Nigeria Communications Commission
Executive Directors of OPDs in Nigeria
Disability Rights Fund
MacArthur Foundation
Light for the World
CBM Global Disability Inclusion
Mandate Secretary for FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat
Ford Foundation
Jummai Umar-Ajilola (Managing Director, Rade Modernization)
JONAPWD PRO
Disability Inclusion Facilitators
Stephanie Egharevba
Impact Hub
Centre LDD
National President for the Albinism Association of Nigeria.
Key objectives of the conference included:
Highlighting Leadership Possibilities of Persons with Disabilities: The event showcased inspiring stories of leadership from individuals with disabilities, particularly those from underrepresented groups, such as youth and women, across various sectors including politics, business, and community activism.
Promoting Inclusive Practices: Participants were encouraged to adopt inclusive practices that empower persons with disabilities to engage fully in decision-making processes within organizations, businesses, and government.
Advocating for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The conference connected the leadership of persons with disabilities to the achievement of the SDGs and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), emphasizing the integration of inclusive development strategies through the Nigerian Disability Law.
Fostering Collaboration: COSDIN created a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders—including persons with disabilities, organizations, policymakers, and the private sector—focused on increasing representation and participation in economic and political empowerment initiatives.
