By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mrs. Comfort Egwaba, has called on women living with disabilities to believe in their abilities and embrace their full potential, stressing that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Represented by Mr. Sunday Ugbede, Egwaba made the call on Thursday in Lokoja during the end-of-year celebration of the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), Lokoja Chapter.
Egwaba, who represents Ibaji Constituency and also chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, assured the group of her continuous support.
She also encouraged the women concerned to maintain self confidence, noting that “there is ability in every disability.”
The Secretary of the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs (KOSODA), Mr. Yacubu Abdulhakeem, urged the women to pay attention to the guidance of leaders within the disability community and to adhere to the rules, regulations, and procedures that would help the group access more opportunities.
“KOSODA is working quietly but effectively. There are many opportunities coming in 2026 for the disability community, including empowerment programmes. I assure you of my support always,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI), Mrs. Eunice Agbogun, who spoke on the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience,’described the gathering as a celebration of victory, and a proof that no challenge or limitation can silence determination.
Agbogun emphasized that every woman with a disability has a story of courage, which if utilized effectively will rise them above obstacles, adding that women should refuse societal limitations.
“As women, especially women with disabilities, you face double challenges,gender bias and physical or societal barriers,yet you also carry double power: the power to inspire and the power to transform,” she said.
She called for stronger support systems, accessible environments, skills training, opportunities, and partnerships to help women with disabilities thrive.
“I challenge government leaders, community partners, families, and friends to become champions of inclusion,” Agbogun added.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of AWWDI in Kogi, Mrs. Agnes Akinwande, expressed appreciation to group members for their cooperation throughout 2025, describing the year as one of achievements.
She reiterated the group’s commitment to fostering growth, advocating for members’ rights, and creating an enabling environment.
Akinwande also thanked Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her contributions to empowering persons with disabilities during the recent World Disability Day activities.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Ododo, the First Lady of Kogi State, Mrs. Sefinat Ododo, and several NGOs for their continued support for people with disabilities.
The AWWDI Lokoja Chapter Leader, Miss Blessing Okeku, also appreciated attendees for promoting inclusivity and accessibility,expressing optimism for stronger partnerships that would further improve the lives of women with disabilities.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
