Event Report: International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2025
Event Report: International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2025
Venue: Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria
Date: 3 December 2025
Global Theme: “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”
Organiser: Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation
1. Overview
On 3 December 2025, the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Foundation hosted a high-level commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) in Abuja. The event brought together government officials, disability rights organisations, civil society leaders, and advocates to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to disability inclusion and the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
2. Participation
The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation was represented by its Co-Founder, Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu.
Key organisations and stakeholders in attendance included:
Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)
Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)
Nigeria Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Albinism Society of Nigeria
FAME Foundation and other gender-and-disability-focused organisations
Various mental health NGOs, youth activists, community influencers, and educators from Abuja’s disability networks
3. Programme Highlights
Insightful keynote speeches and policy discussions
Personal testimonies from persons with disabilities
Presentations on accessibility, employment, inclusive education, and holistic well-being
Extensive networking among disability-focused organisations and government entities
4. Landmark Achievement
The highlight of the event was the historic signing of a National Commitment Form on behalf of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. The document, endorsed by government representatives, leaders of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and civil society organisations, contains specific, actionable commitments to:
Fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018
Accelerate inclusive policy development and enforcement nationwide
This signing represents a significant step toward translating legal provisions into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians with disabilities.
5. Conclusion
The 2025 IDPD commemoration at the Yar'Adua Foundation underscored that disability inclusion is a national obligation, not an optional gesture. The event successfully bridged awareness-raising with concrete policy commitments and strengthened collaboration across government, civil society, and the disability community.
The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation remains committed to sustained advocacy and action to ensure that no one is left behind.
About the Writer:
Munachi Igbelina
Media Team
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