Job Napoleon-Agbor:
Job Napoleon-Agbor, CEO and founder of Voice of the Voiceless for Persons with Disability (an NGO), is fuelled by a deep passion to combat systemic neglect, marginalization, and injustice faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. Alongside his role as a lecturer in Accounting at the University of Calabar, Jon dedicates himself to advocating for equal rights, challenging discriminatory systems, and amplifying the voices of PWDs across the nation.
Despite encountering numerous obstacles, including limited financial resources and societal stigma—Job remained resilient. He attributes his achievements to continuous collaboration, strategic advocacy, and connecting with individuals and groups who share his vision. Leveraging social media and community platforms, he has successfully forged partnerships with both local and international organisations to strengthen support for PWDs.
Job’s journey highlights the power of persistence and community in the fight for inclusion. His work not only empowers PWDs but also educates society about the value of diversity and the importance of creating an accessible environment for all. Through his leadership, the movement for disability rights in Nigeria is gaining momentum, inspiring many to believe that physical limitations do not define one’s potential.
His NGO, The Voice of the Voiceless, is dedicated to advocating for disability-inclusive policies, pushing for legislative reforms, and ensuring the full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the impact since the organisation’s inception, Jon, who transitioned from university lecturer to NGO leader emphasized that the group has played a pivotal role in shifting societal mindsets. The NGO has successfully mobilised grassroots support, trained disability rights advocates, and influenced local government policies. Most importantly, it has given visibility and a strong voice to many persons with disabilities, while building a powerful network of empowered individuals who are leading in fields such as education, governance, and entrepreneurship.
Jon encourages persons with disabilities to stand tall, speak boldly, and claim their rightful place in society. “Educate yourself about your rights, develop your skills, and draw strength from your community. Disability does not mean inability your voice matters,” he affirmed.
However, he also criticizes governments at all levels for merely paying lip service to the challenges faced by PWDs, pointing out the slow and inadequate implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Obomanu: Challenges Faced By Persons With Disabilities Complex
A physically challenged broadcaster, journalist, disability advocate, and public commentator, Kie Obomanu, has drawn attention to the complex and layered challenges confronting persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
In an interview with LEADERSHIP Weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Obomanu stated, “Our challenges are multifaceted. Unfortunately, most states in Nigeria have yet to implement the National Disability Law, even though it was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.”
Obomanu explained that the failure to implement the National Disability Law remains a significant setback. He noted that the law is crucial for addressing major issues such as discrimination, stigmatization, exclusion from policy development, lack of accessibility, and the absence of disability mainstreaming in critical sectors including education, health, agriculture, housing, and employment.
The law mandates that a minimum of five percent of all jobs be reserved for persons with disabilities. However, this provision is frequently overlooked.
Driven by these persistent challenges, Obomanu chose to contest for the position of chairman of the Association of Persons with Disabilities in Rivers State. His goal is to strengthen advocacy efforts and hold authorities accountable for upholding the rights of persons with disabilities.
He said, “I wanted to stand up to the authorities so that our rights are not infringed upon, and to contribute meaningfully to our developmental goals, our quest to be heard, and our training initiatives.”
Obomanu also revealed that he runs a non-governmental organization that works closely with relevant agencies, stakeholders, and the wider community to support the development and empowerment of its members.
He said: “The NGO is working hands in gloves with all relevant agencies, stakeholders and community itself to develop members.”
Obomanu, who is also a staff of the Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation (RSBC), advised persons with disability to remain remain focused and not allow life impediments and societal barriers to slow them down or totally keep them at bay.
Offering words of encouragement, Obomanu said, “My advice is for them to remain focused, not allowing life’s impediments and societal barriers to slow them down or completely hold them back. As a person with a disability, you are the first person who can help yourself—only then will the rest of society begin to offer support.”
He expressed regret that both government and society have largely failed to treat persons with disabilities fairly.
“Absolutely not,” he said. “This is why non-governmental organisations must work actively in collaboration with both the public and private sectors to bring them up to speed with the key objectives of the disability community, including integration, accessibility, inclusiveness, and the mainstreaming of policy directives that support our rights and development.”
“We don’t want pity. What we want are opportunities,” Obomanu stressed. “Any support from the rest of society for my community should not be based on the charity model, but rather on an entrepreneurial model that can fast-track our development.”
Another trailblazer is Victor Ugwu, a 47-year-old physically challenged man, who has dedicated himself to empowering people and eradicating poverty in society. Despite his physical limitations, he serves as a powerful example of resilience and commitment to social impact.
NGO And When It Started
Victor Ugwu is the founder of the Initiative for Eradication of Poverty and Empowerment of the Disabled (IFEPED), an organisation he proposed and formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) alongside other trustees in 2014.
Purpose Of The Organisation
The core mission of IFEPED is to combat poverty through empowerment, particularly by supporting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable or indigent members of society.
What inspired me to establish IFEPED,” Obomanu shared, “was the support I received as a person with a disability from my primary education through to the university level. That assistance empowered me academically and helped me overcome both social disability and illiteracy. I believe that through the formation of IFEPED, such human empowerment can be institutionalised and extended to others in need.”
Early Struggles And The Birth Of IFEPED
“As a person with a disability, I began primary education as an adult,” Obomanu recalled. “It was my determination, along with the help of kind individuals, that made it possible. But had I known of an organisation like IFEPED back then, I wouldn’t have had to delay my education until adulthood.”
Following IFEPED’s registration, the organisation began to attract members, primarily individuals in need, including persons with disabilities and indigent members of the community.
“We started reaching out for support,” he explained. “We applied for grants and material assistance from government agencies, philanthropists, and other organisations.Unfortunately, many turned us down, and some government agencies didn’t even acknowledge our letters.”
Despite these setbacks, IFEPED pressed on. “We began printing the IFEPED Calendar and IFEPED Magazine, which helped us gain visibility. These initiatives drew the attention of individuals who began contributing, particularly by providing mobility aids for persons with disabilities. We also raised funds through the launching of these products, which enabled us to continue supporting those in financial need.”
Achievements So Far?
IFEPED has recorded significant achievements through its innovative initiatives and sustained advocacy efforts, particularly in supporting persons with disabilities and indigent individuals.
One of the key drivers of support has been the introduction of the IFEPED Magazine and IFEPED Calendar, which has attracted numerous supporters and collaborators. These platforms have contributed immensely to the successful execution of nearly all the organization’s projects and programmes.
In the area of legal support, a number of dedicated lawyers, including Barr. Jonas Udensi (Legal Adviser) and Prof. Agu Gab Agu (Chairman, Board of Directors), have played instrumental roles in handling cases reported to IFEPED. Notably, the organisation has handled multiple cases involving both the police and the courts without recording any losses, marking a commendable track record in legal advocacy.
Another major milestone is IFEPED’s extensive documentation of persons with disabilities, which has enabled targeted empowerment through both material support and advocacy initiatives. This effort has led to substantial improvement in the lives of many individuals.
On the legislative front, IFEPED campaigned vigorously for the domestication of the Disability Law in Enugu State. Following the successful adoption of the law, the organization has moved forward with advocacy for its full implementation. This includes printing 6,000 copies of the law in booklet form to promote public awareness and accessibility.
Additionally, IFEPED has documented over 1,500 persons with disabilities across the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of Enugu State, facilitating more efficient access to empowerment programmes and support services.
