Stakeholders have reiterated the urgent need for attitudinal change and greater inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigerian society, with calls to amplify their voices in the promotion of rights and welfare.

The call was made on Wednesday during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), themed , held in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan commended VDI for its decade-long advocacy, empowerment initiatives, and influence on disability-focused policy reform.

Jonathan said.

She recalled her own contributions through her foundations—Aruere Reachout Foundation (AARF) and Women for Change—in supporting women, youths, and PWDs, urging stakeholders to increase access to employment, skills training, and business start-up support for women and girls with disabilities.

Jonathan further encouraged Nigerians to learn sign language and support awareness campaigns to build a more inclusive society.

Catherine Edeh, VDI’s Executive Director and a deaf rights advocate, narrated her personal journey, saying she became deaf at the age of nine and faced stigma and exclusion from peers and close associates.

Edeh said.

She highlighted societal attitudes and inadequate funding as key challenges affecting the community.

Chair of the occasion, Ms Ene Obi, acknowledged progress made with the passage of the Disabilities Act and the creation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities but stressed the need for effective implementation, especially in education and protection from gender-based violence.

Obi said.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Wahab Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, called for stronger institutions and inclusive strategies, alongside a national attitudinal shift to transform perceptions about disabilities.

Also speaking, Mr Chijoke Josiah, a VDI Board Member and parent of a child with a disability, urged parents not to hide or feel shame about their children’s conditions.

he said.

Mr Chike Uwaezuoke, Vice-Chairman of the VDI Board of Trustees, praised the organisation’s achievements over the past decade and expressed hope that its advocacy efforts would extend across Africa.

“VDI’s mission has become a model for grassroots advocacy. We are confident its impact will soon transcend Nigeria’s borders,” he said.

The event closed with renewed calls for disability-inclusive policies, increased representation in decision-making, and stronger societal commitment to the rights and dignity of all persons with disabilities.