On Valentine’s Day, a special event was held at the Media Sports Centre, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos where people with disabilities were celebrated and supported in an atmosphere of love and generosity. Organised by Ambassador Chukwzubelu Umeizudike in collaboration with Mr. Kelly Egberi of WAZOBIA FM popularly known as Kellyblind, the gathering brought together hundreds of individuals living with disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf, dumbstruck, or have autism, among other conditions.
Mr. Egberi used the occasion to make a passionate appeal to the Nigerian government, particularly the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging it to prioritise the needs of persons with disabilities. He emphasised the urgent need for employment opportunities and social programs tailored to uplift this often-neglected community.
“We are not benefiting anything from the government, especially under the All Progressives Congress-led administration. Persons with disabilities have been suffering for the past two years with no visible support from either the federal or state governments,” Egberi lamented.
According to him, the previous administration under the People’s Democratic Party had done more to support persons with disabilities. He recalled how the Goodluck Jonathan-led government implemented financial assistance schemes such as the “shopping money” initiative, where 20% of allocated funds were directed toward persons with disabilities. However, since 2015, there has been little to no intervention for the community.
Egberi pointed out that despite former President Muhammadu Buhari signing the Disability Act into law in 2019, the legislation remains largely unimplemented. “Up until today, that law has not been effected. There has been no major project targeting persons with disabilities, no structured empowerment programs, and no job creation initiatives,” he added.
The event itself was a testament to the power of private individuals stepping in where the
“This is not the first time I’ve been involved in helping people with disabilities, but this is the first time working with Ambassador Umeizudike, the convener of the event, ” Egberi stated. He further revealed that through his foundation, Inner Eye Foundation, he had organised similar gatherings in the past, but this particular event was the biggest so far due to the overwhelming generosity of Umeizudike.
Egberi stressed the mental health struggles faced by persons with disabilities, stating that many of them live entirely on the goodwill of society. “Even people without disabilities are dealing with mental health issues, so imagine what it’s like for those who depend solely on handouts. A lot of them here today are graduates, yet the government does nothing to employ or empower them,” he said.
The event drew significant attention, with notable figures such as Amb. Ezeawaka Moses Chukwuma, CEO of 7Stars Integrated Ltd; Amb. James Expensive, Convener of Help One Foundation; Chief Chijioke Montfont, Founder of Ulefone House; Adaobi Obi; Mr. Oluwadare Seun Samuel, CEO of King of Pi Mall; and the CEO of Crazyegbonstv, among others, in attendance.
Many attendees joined Egberi in calling for better government policies and programs aimed at persons with disabilities. The message was clear: these individuals deserve dignity, access to job opportunities, and inclusion in national development plans.
Egberi vowed to continue organising such events, stating that he plans to make it a yearly gathering to ensure persons with disabilities are shown love, not just on Valentine’s Day but throughout the year. “We must continue to advocate for them. The government needs to act and create sustainable programs for persons with disabilities. They are not asking for handouts; they are asking for opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society,” he concluded.
Berex reports with growing calls for action, the ball is now in the government’s court to implement effective policies that support and uplift Nigeria’s disability community.
