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By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government has been urged to rename the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs as the Kogi State Office for Special Citizens, as part of efforts to strengthen inclusivity and enhance the dignity and well-being of persons living with disabilities in the state.
The Founder of Ade-Bada Foundation International, Pastor Ade Bada, made the call during his address at the 2nd Biennial Lecture, Award Investiture, and Endowment Fundraising Ceremony held at the Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Lokoja on Friday.
Pastor Bada noted that the proposed name change would reflect a more progressive and respectful approach to disability issues, while promoting social inclusion and value for affected individuals.
He said that rather than referring to persons with physical challenges as “people with disabilities,” they should be described as “special citizens,” noting that many of them have demonstrated the reality of ability within disability in their endeavors and therefore deserve to be accorded such recognition.
Pastor Bada pledged to back his recommendation with legislative action, promising to sponsor a private bill before the Kogi State House of Assembly to give legal effect to the proposed change.
The founder, a veteran journalist who is visually impaired and author of the Book “Daring the Storms,” urged persons with disabilities not to bemoan their condition but harness their talents to enable them contribute meaningfully to society.
Pastor Bada explained that he founded the organisation to support people with special needs and to ease the often painful challenges associated with living with disabilities.
Drawing from his personal experience, he lamented the disdainful manner in which society treats persons with disabilities.
He noted, however, that despite these challenges, many individuals with disabilities have made remarkable contributions to society,sometimes even surpassing those of their able-bodied counterparts.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, who declared the event open,commended Pastor Bada for refusing to be defined by his disability.
He said the founder had clearly demonstrated that there is indeed ability in disability through the establishment of the foundation and his other commendable achievements that rival those of able-bodied individuals.
He called on the Kogi State Government, institutions and well-to-do members of society to support the foundation in achieving its aims and objectives.
The NUJ President regretted that disability is often viewed through a narrow lens, with emphasis placed more on limitations than on possibilities, noting that such perceptions have negatively influenced policies and societal attitudes in the country.
He added that the event was a strong demonstration of ability in disability, as exemplified by Pastor Bada, stressing that this aligns with what the NUJ has consistently advocated, assuring the founder of the union’s full support of journalists in Kogi state towards ensuring the success of the foundation.
He urged the state government to intensify its efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to quality healthcare at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, “so that, in the end, they can have cause to smile.”
According to him, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is considering the introduction of a health insurance scheme for its members. The initiative, he explained, is aimed at enabling journalists to access quality healthcare services across all levels, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, lower maternal mortality among women journalists, and strengthen universal health coverage.
Highlights of the occasion include a fundraising drive and the presentation of leadership awards to notable individuals, including Prof. Suleiman Omeiza; Eku Sadiku, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Kogi State University, Kabba; and Senator Sunday Karimi, among others, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to society.
The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Zone D, Alhaji Momojimoh Adeiza and the Chairman of the union in the state, Alhaji Seidu Adamu, who was represented by his Vice, Alhaji Ibrahim Obansa, attended the occasion alongside members of the society from within and outside the state.
The event has the theme; “United For Ability: Changing The Disability Narrative”.
