These outstanding women and girls with disabilities are nominated for awards in the following categories:
This award recognizes the women with disabilities who have braved all odds to participate in the ableist and male dominated political landscape Visibility in Politics
Lois Auta
Accord Party HoR Candidate in 2019
Lois Auta
Accord Party HoR Candidate in 2019
Lois Auta hails from Kagoro, Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State. She was affected by polio at age two but she sees her disability as a bridge not a barricade, as a blessing and not a curse and as an opportunity to change the world, she also believes that disability does not define her but her ability does. Lois has obtained her FSLC, ‘0’ Level, Diploma in Public Administration and BSc. in Public Administration. She is a 2014 Mandela Washington Fellow. Lois Auta has placed Nigeria on the global map by being the only Nigerian selected as a young global leader of the world economic forum and the first black physically challenged black woman from Africa in 2017. She is a mentor with MasterCard Foundation, Baobab Foundation and Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme. She contested for House of Representatives in AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the 2019. Nigeria’s elections and emerged the first and only woman with disability that ran for the position amongst 4080 candidates. Lois Auta is the founder and Executive Director of Cedar Seed Foundation, CSF is a non-profit, nongovernmental, non-sectarian, non-partisan, youth-led independent development organization that promotes inclusion and equal opportunities for disabled people. Since the inception of Cedar Seed Foundation Lois and her team have affected thousands of persons with disabilities through their ideas and initiatives. She has represented persons with disabilities locally and globally.
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase
National Women Leader, APC PWDs Support Group
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase
National Women Leader, APC PWDs Support Group
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, a Hard of Hearing person, popularly known as Mama Deaf She was born on the 12th January, 1955 at Ebute-Metta, Lagos, and had her primary and secondary education in Lagos, Nigeria. A trained social worker by the Lagos State Ministry of Sport and Social Development, she is the founder of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria, the immediate past Chairperson of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Lagos State Chapter, Vice chairperson, Disability Policy Advocacy Initiative and she is the distinguished lecturer of the year 2017 for STAND-U, Nigeria Independence Anniversary at Gallaudet University, Washington D.C New York, USA. She is a former member, Board of Trustees, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and the National Women Leader of APC Persons with Disabilities Support Group. Her commitment to promote the rights and welfare of persons living with disabilities have earned her a lot of outstanding recognition from notable bodies such as Gallaudet University (Office of International Program), Washington DC, USA, Access Ability Model, kingdom of Sweden Embassy and the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja.
Hajia Rabi Yusuf
Green Party Candidate for Kano State House of Assembly
Hajia Rabi Yusuf
Green Party Candidate for Kano State House of Assembly
Rabi Yusuf Gezawa is a polio survivor and the Executive Director of Gender and Disability Inclusion Advocacy Centre (GADIAC), the treasurer of Interest Party Women Network (IPWN) and the Present National Woman Leader of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities.
Rabi has been a Disability Right Advocate for 25 years She has worked with various state and non-state actors including Kano State Government, DRAC, CCD, PERL, RoLac etc. to advocate for access to inclusive education, Empowerment, Access to Health care delivery system, Access to vote and be voted for, Access to have a family, Social Inclusion, Right to live, Right to drive etc.
In 2019, Rabi under Green Party of Nigeria contested for member of Kano State House of Assembly. She also worked at GADIAC on the sensitization of persons with disabilities on the ills of vote buying and selling. Presently she is working with ACTION AGAINST HUNGER on making of social protection policy.
Risikat Toyin Mohammed
Interparty Women Leader
Risikat Toyin Mohammed
Interparty Women Leader
RISIKAT TOYIN MUHAMMED Is the Executive Director, Women with Disability Self-Reliance Centre (WWDSRC). She is a physically challenged person whose passion for women and persons with disabilities empowerment led to her various development works in different areas such as health, women’s right and economic empowerment, governance, peace, conflict resolution and management, inclusive education and lots of others. Through her organization WWDSRC, she was able to advocate for inclusive HIV Programme in Kaduna State that led to increased budgeting on HIV programmes for persons with disability and setting up of network for persons with disability in the State which was first of its kind in Nigeria in 2007. In 2012 she provided technical support to Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in developing their Strategic and Operational Plan in 2013, through the partnership she contributed in advocating for need to have a disability bill in the State which has led to GWG supporting Kaduna State Joint Association for Persons with Disability (JONAPWD). As a strong advocate on gender-based violence she has been in the fore front of championing the cause of the passage of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill (VAPPB) through her participation and membership in the Legislative Advocacy Coalition on Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill (LACVAPPB).
This Award honours women with disabilities who stand in the frontlines to actively promote and protect the human rights of all persons, especially those with disabilities Champion in Rights Activism/Advocacy
Irene Patrick-Ogbogu
SRHR, SGBV, Rights of Children with Disabilities
Irene Patrick-Ogbogu
SRHR, SGBV, Rights of Children with Disabilities
A Nigerian activist and polio survivor, Dr. Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogbogu is the most high-profile campaigner for the rights of women with disabilities in the country. A renowned SRHR, Gender and Disability expert, she has supported the gender equality and disability inclusion agendas in a very colorful career spanning over 25 years working in various capacities with various multi-lateral agencies. She is considered one of the most visible disabled feminists in the country. She argues for women with disabilities to be included in mainstream development agenda and given a seat at the table in Governance and other decision-making spaces. On the international stage at the 13th AWID Forum in Salvadore, Brazil, she made a case for countries in the Global North to begin to channel significant amount of resources to organizations of women with disabilities in the Global South in order to promote their visibility.
The Executive Director of DRAC, Irene was one of the prominent figures at the forefront of efforts to secure a disability legislation in Nigeria she championed the development of the National Policy on SRHR of Persons with Disabilities. Through her powerful work on SRHR and SGBV, she continues to expose the insidious nature of violence against women and girls with disabilities, while laying down a clear moral and practical basis for extending health, educational, socioeconomic and political rights to women with disabilities and protection for children with disabilities, for which she has been nominated for and won numerous awards and recognition. She holds a PhD (Social Work), 2 Masters’ Degrees (Demography and Social Statistics and Project Management and a Bachelors’ Degree in Public Administration. Exploring the world of sports, she is an Elite Female Shooter and currently serves as the Vice President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation and President of the Nigeria Shooting Para sports Federation.
Sarah Akinola
Disability Rights
Sarah Akinola
Disability Rights
Sarah Olufunmilayo Akinola is a blind single parent. She was born on 18th May, 1967. She is a member of Mobility International USA and Perkins International families. She holds a Bachelors’ Degree in English-Linguistics and a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy and other professional certificates. She is currently a Principal Manager and Head, Operations in South-West Zone of Bank of Agriculture Ltd, Nigeria.
Grace Jerry
Political Participation
Grace Jerry
Political Participation
Grace Alache Jerry is a Nigerian disability-activist, human rights advocate, a musician and beauty pageant queen who was awarded the Miss Wheelchair Nigeria. She is a spokesperson for over 25 million Nigerians who are living with disability. The Executive Director of Xperience Grace Foundation, she has performed in concerts within and out Nigeria. She is among the 2015 Mandela Washington Fellows who were honored by President Barack Obama. She is the Founder of the Inclusive Friends Association and the Access Nigeria campaign, she fights passionately for the rights of persons with disabilities to access electoral processes.
Ms. Nonye Ogbuagu
Rights of women with albinism
Ms. Nonye Ogbuagu
Rights of women with albinism
Ms. Nonye Ogbuagu is a person with albinism, teacher and educator and works with Enugu state Ministry of Education. She is very passionate about the rights of persons with albinism. She goes extra miles to protect the rights of women with albinism whose rights are violated/abused. She serves as the Assistant Coordinator of the Albino Foundation in Enugu State. She is also the National Welfare Officer of the Albino Foundation at every conferences organized by the Foundation. Since 2008, she has been fighting actively for the right of Persons with Albinism in Enugu State and beyond making sure they are well informed and educated on the plight of Persons with Albinism. Educating Persons with Albinism on how to stay sun safe, manage their vision, adapt to societal discrimination and stigmatization, educate parent on how to take care of their children with Albinism has always been her passion.
Fatimah Rize Mohammed
Child Marriage, SGBV
Fatimah Rize Mohammed
Child Marriage, SGBV
Fatima Mohammed Rize is a native of Kebbi state. She holds a B.ED in Adult Education. She currently works with Kebbi State School for Special Needs Birnin Kebbi working to impact the lives of and serve as a role-model to Children with Disabilities especially girls with Disabilities. She is a strong advocate for access to education and works passionately to combat child marriage and other forms of discrimination and violence against the girl child especially those with disabilities.
She currently serves as the Women Leader for the North West Zone of National Association for the Deaf.
Fatima is happily married to a gallant Nigerian soldier and is a loving mother to three daughters and a son.
Helen Beyioku-Alase
Deaf Women’s Rights
Helen Beyioku-Alase
Deaf Women’s Rights
Hellen Beyioku-Alase is a Deaf/Disability rights activist and a recognized expert with over 10 years’ experience in Sexual and reproductive health rights of Deaf women and girls in Nigeria. She has been representing lobbying for the rights of Deaf women on issues related to empowerment, accessibility, and inclusion in SRHR services. Hellen had and still mobilizes, facilitate and conduct several training on sexual and reproductive health rights for Deaf Women in Nigeria. Through her work, she was selected to represent Nigeria at The Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) a program of Mobility International USA (MIUSA) in 2016. Currently, Hellen is the Executive Director of the Deaf Women Aloud Initiative, an NGO, aimed at amplifying the voice of Deaf women in Nigeria and Africa. She was also elected as Chairperson of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN), Abuja chapter for second term. Hellen hold a Bachelor Degree in Guidance and counselling from University of Abuja, Abuja.
This award will recognize those who have carved a niche for themselves and have represented the community of WWD at regional and global Level. They are a motivation to all Women and Girls with Disabilities Achievement in International Development
Toyin Janet Aderemi
Disability Advisor, UNRWA, Jordan
Toyin Janet Aderemi
Disability Advisor, UNRWA, Jordan
Dr. Toyin Janet Aderemi-Ige is currently the Disability Advisor to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). While the position is based in the Headquarters in Jordan, she oversees the disability inclusion works of UNRWA in all its five field offices in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and Gaza. Prior to this position, Dr. Aderemi-Ige had worked as Country Representative for CBM Nigeria Country Office between 2015 and 2018. Previously, she worked as the Country Programme Manager of Light for the World in South Sudan and the HIV and Disability Technical Advisor for Handicap International (now Humanity & Inclusion). She holds a PhD (Behavioral Medicine), a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Pharmacy degrees. She has participated in many international discussions and conferences on disability inclusion. She has publications in peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to international documents. Toyin is a 2018 Her Abilities Award Winner (Health & Education category). She is an alumna of the International Fellowship Program of the Ford Foundation, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development.
Erima Lucy Upah
Former Regional Coordinator, World Federation of the Deaf
Erima Lucy Upah
Former Regional Coordinator, World Federation of the Deaf
Ms. Lucy Erima Upah was the Regional Coordinator (English-speaking countries) for the World Federation of the Deaf-managed “Deaf Human Rights and Capacity Building Training Project for Western and Central Africa Region (WCAR Project)” from 2009 to 2011. This project aimed to educate Deaf communities about the rights available to them through the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD), and strategies they could use to advocate for their communities. The outcome of the WCAR Project led to the establishment of the WCAR Secretariat, a platform for Deaf associations in the region to come together to chart the course of advocacy for better living standards devoid of barriers for the deaf communities. In 2013, Ms. Upah relocated to the USA for further studies where she earned a master’s in Public Administration (MPA). She is presently involved in working with the Deafblind community, a minority group within the Deaf community.
The Award Aims to recognize prominent Women with disabilities that have demonstrated effective leadership in their areas of endeavour Woman with Disability in Leadership
Omotunde Ellen Thompson
Member, Board of Trustees, JONAPWD
Omotunde Ellen Thompson
Member, Board of Trustees, JONAPWD
Ms. OMOTUNDE ELLEN THOMPSON (FRMI) hails from Amuro Mopa Area council of Kogi State Nigeria. She holds a Bachelor of Education in special education from the university of Jos and the institute of development administration. She works as the first head of disability desk at the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, coordinating and managing the affairs of persons with disabilities at the federal civil service of Nigeria headquarters and all civil servant with disabilities throughout the federal ministries located in the 36 states of Nigeria and federal capital territory.
Beatrice Awala Mube
Vice President, NAPWD
Beatrice Awala Mube
Vice President, NAPWD
Mube Awala Beatrice hails from Agbonchia Eleme Rivers State. Through persistent struggle obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Analysis from the University of Abuja. She is a career Civil Servant, An ordained Evangelist, Woman Leader FCT Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Vice President National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NPWPD), Executive Director of Mimijean Foundation for Women and Children with Disabilities and a philanthropist per excellence. As a career civil servant and disability rights advocate who focuses on women and children with disabilities, uses her spare time to train women and children with disabilities on various types of vocational skill acquisitions. She also supports inclusive education for children with disabilities, not only advocating but also support families of children with disabilities with a token to finance their tuition fees.
Sarah Akinola
Head of Operations, South-west Zone, Bank of Agriculture
Sarah Akinola
Head of Operations, South-west Zone, Bank of Agriculture
Sarah Olufunmilayo Akinola is a blind single parent. She was born on 18th May, 1967. She is a member of Mobility International USA and Perkins International families. She holds a Bachelors’ Degree in English-Linguistics and a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy and other professional certificates. She is currently a Principal Manager and Head, Operations in South-West Zone of Bank of Agriculture Ltd, Nigeria.
Irene Patrick-Ogbogu
Executive Director, DRAC
Irene Patrick-Ogbogu
Executive Director, DRAC
A Nigerian activist and polio survivor, Dr. Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogbogu is the most high-profile campaigner for the rights of women with disabilities in the country. A renowned SRHR, Gender and Disability expert, she has supported the gender equality and disability inclusion agendas in a very colorful career spanning over 25 years working in various capacities with various multi-lateral agencies. She is considered one of the most visible disabled feminists in the country. She argues for women with disabilities to be included in mainstream development agenda and given a seat at the table in Governance and other decision-making spaces. On the international stage at the 13th AWID Forum in Salvadore, Brazil, she made a case for countries in the Global North to begin to channel significant amount of resources to organizations of women with disabilities in the Global South in order to promote their visibility.
The Executive Director of DRAC, Irene was one of the prominent figures at the forefront of efforts to secure a disability legislation in Nigeria she championed the development of the National Policy on SRHR of Persons with Disabilities. Through her powerful work on SRHR and SGBV, she continues to expose the insidious nature of violence against women and girls with disabilities, while laying down a clear moral and practical basis for extending health, educational, socioeconomic and political rights to women with disabilities and protection for children with disabilities, for which she has been nominated for and won numerous awards and recognition. She holds a PhD (Social Work), 2 Masters’ Degrees (Demography and Social Statistics and Project Management and a Bachelors’ Degree in Public Administration. Exploring the world of sports, she is an Elite Female Shooter and currently serves as the Vice President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation and President of the Nigeria Shooting Para sports Federation.
The Award acknowledges Women with Disabilities that have played a vital role at cluster / grassroot level Leadership in Community Mobilization
Hajia Rabi Yusuf
Green Party Candidate for Kano State House of Assembly
Hajia Rabi Yusuf
Green Party Candidate for Kano State House of Assembly
Rabi Yusuf Gezawa is a polio survivor and the Executive Director of Gender and Disability Inclusion Advocacy Centre (GADIAC), the treasurer of Interest Party Women Network (IPWN) and the Present National Woman Leader of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities.
Rabi has been a Disability Right Advocate for 25 years She has worked with various state and non-state actors including Kano State Government, DRAC, CCD, PERL, RoLac etc. to advocate for access to inclusive education, Empowerment, Access to Health care delivery system, Access to vote and be voted for, Access to have a family, Social Inclusion, Right to live, Right to drive etc.
In 2019, Rabi under Green Party of Nigeria contested for member of Kano State House of Assembly. She also worked at GADIAC on the sensitization of persons with disabilities on the ills of vote buying and selling. Presently she is working with ACTION AGAINST HUNGER on making of social protection policy.
Esther Andrew Awu
Snr. Special Asst. to the Governor of Nasarawa State
Esther Andrew Awu
Snr. Special Asst. to the Governor of Nasarawa State
Mrs. Esther Andrew Awu is a principal social welfare officer with a B. Ed special education and M. DE special education from the University of Jos. She is the director of socials- Joint Association of person with disabilities Kaduna state, National treasurer -Nigeria association of the blind, Women leader -Nigeria association of the blind, Secretary general -Nigeria association of the blind, committee member on plight of disabled persons in Nasarawa state, Senior special Assistant on disabled matters to the governor of Nasarawa state and the delegate representing North central disable person at the national constitutional conference (CONFAB).
Beatrice Awala Mube
Vice President, NAPWD
Beatrice Awala Mube
Vice President, NAPWD
Mube Awala Beatrice hails from Agbonchia Eleme Rivers State. Through persistent struggle obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration and Public Analysis from the University of Abuja. She is a career Civil Servant, An ordained Evangelist, Woman Leader FCT Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Vice President National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NPWPD), Executive Director of Mimijean Foundation for Women and Children with Disabilities and a philanthropist per excellence. As a career civil servant and disability rights advocate who focuses on women and children with disabilities, uses her spare time to train women and children with disabilities on various types of vocational skill acquisitions. She also supports inclusive education for children with disabilities, not only advocating but also support families of children with disabilities with a token to finance their tuition fees.
Monsurat Abdulwasiu
Former Women Leader, Abuja Association of the Deaf
Monsurat Abdulwasiu
Former Women Leader, Abuja Association of the Deaf
Mrs. Abdulwasiu Monsurat became Deaf at the age of 6 but it did not deter her zeal for formal education. She did her NCE at Federal College of Education (special) Oyo in 2000-2004 and her B.Ed in Guidance and Counselling at the University of Abuja in 2014-2018.
She works at Government secondary school as a teacher for Deaf children. She led a self-help group in Kuje under the Advocacy for women with Disabilities Initiative, she has also held the position of Women leader for Abuja Association of the Deaf Women for 8years and also FCT JONAPWD as Assistant women Leader from 2015 till date. Through capacity building by DRAC she has become a strong advocate against all forms of gender-based violence and champions efforts at ensuring that women and girls with Deafness access health services and the sexual and reproductive rights ae protected.
As the Founder of Initiative for Development Deaf Women (IDDW) she channels her passion for empowerment of women with disabilities especially the Deaf, through innovative actions aimed at empowering deaf women with knowledge and skills for developing their full potentials and navigating tough life situations. She was at the forefront of efforts led by DRAC at developing the National SRHR Policy for Persons with Disabilities.
Monsurat is happily married with 3 children. Her kindness, gentle ways and attentive ears have endeared her to many Deaf women and girls in Abuja and its environs.
This Award recognizes the quintessential Women with Disabilities that stand out in their respective field of endeavours Outstanding Professional
Ijeoma Nnodim
Paediatrician
Ijeoma Nnodim
Paediatrician
Dr. Ijeoma Jane Nnodim Popularly called "Pikin Doctor" is a hearing-impaired Pediatrician with 15 years of medical practice. Born in Lagos 41 years ago, she is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians. She is the founder of Dr. Ijeoma Healthy Kids’ Community, a thriving Facebook Community of over 7,000 members, with a large percentage being persons with disabilities (PWDs). She educates on children’s health in an easy-to-understand way that also carries along hearing-impaired and other PWDs. She is passionate about ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in having access to Universal Healthcare and has worked with several organizations in providing health education to PWDs. Dr. Nnodim has undergone several trainings and has certifications from the University of Washington in Leadership and Management in Health, and also Epidemiology and Global Health among others. She is a member of several organizations including Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria. Born with severe-profound hearing loss, she has been able to surmount the odds and is a role model to several young women and men with similar challenge.
Kaneng Kwandi Adebayo
Lecturer, University of Jos
Kaneng Kwandi Adebayo
Lecturer, University of Jos
Kaneng Rose Kwandi became Deaf at the age of 10 as a result of meningitis. She always had a dream of joining the military because she wanted to follow the footsteps of her late father, this dream was shattered when she was told she couldn’t join because of her deafness. This however didn't stop her from becoming the very best. After her primary education, she obtained her O level certificate from Plateau School for the Deaf, it was during this period that she began to develop interest in teaching. During the holidays she would gather children in the neighborhood and teach them various subjects. She took the decision to further her education and went ahead to bag a diploma in special education, specializing in Hearing Handicaps. After graduation, she was employed at Demonstration School for the Deaf Children, Kawo, Kaduna State briefly and then was employed at Plateau School for the Deaf.
Kaneng’s goal as a teacher of the Deaf is to lay a solid foundation in learning which deaf children can eventually build on. She is extremely delighted to see many of her former students now in the University of Jos pursuing their studies.
In 2003, she was awarded the Edward Miner Gallaudet scholarship for a year to pursue her degree program at Gallaudet University in Washington DC, USA. While at Gallaudet University, she was awarded another scholarship from the Nippon Foundation. She was the second African student to be awarded such prestigious scholarship which covered her degree program in General education with a focus in Elementary contents area and Masters’ in Deaf Education. After her graduation, she became a full-time classroom teacher for a period of 18 months with the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf, Arizona, USA before eventually returning to Nigeria to facilitate better education of the Deaf.
Kaneng is currently a lecturer in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Jos. She is the first Deaf female lecturer to be employed in any Federal University in Nigeria. She not only teaches Special education courses but Rehabilitation courses as well. Her presence in University of Jos is making great impact in the lives of persons with disabilities especially the Deaf. Parents mostly female ones now have hope for their Deaf girls because they see her as a role model and a source of inspiration for their Deaf children, leading to increased enrolment rates of female Deaf students in the University. She also uses her position as a teacher to advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Her goal is to establish a Center for Advocacy, Job Development and information on Deafness.
Calista Ugwuaneke
Senior Counsel, FMOJ
Calista Ugwuaneke
Senior Counsel, FMOJ
Ms. Ugwuaneke Calister Chinyere is the first Nigerian blind female Federal Attorney. She became blind at the age of five. She had her Primary Education in Special School for the blind, Oji-River Anambra State (1981-1985), she had her secondary education in Queen’s College, Yaba Lagos (1985-1991) and proceeded to the University of Nigeria Nsukka where she had her University Education between (1991-1997). She attended the Nigerian Law School from the year (1999-2000) and was called to the Nigerian Bar in the year 2000 thus, she became the first blind female Nigerian to be enrolled into the Nigerian bar. She had her Bachelor of Law (LL. B) in 1997 and (BL) in year 2000. She is a member of African Union of the Blind (AFUB), Legal Adviser to the Initiative for Disability Inclusion and Diversity (INCLUDE).
Hajia Mariya Ishaka
Event Management / Hospitality Industry
Hajia Mariya Ishaka
Event Management / Hospitality Industry
Hajia Mariya Ishaka is a mother and a person with albinism. She is an entrepreneur and leader who loves to cook, travel, meet new people and promote and protect the rights of persons with albinism especially women and girls with albinism. She has been an event planner for the past two decades and have dedicatedly worked in the hospitality industry for over twenty years, moving from cleaner to manager of different departments through hard work and transparency. She has also worked and had workshops and trainings with Non-governmental organizations like SWATCH (Support for Women and Teenage Children), Family health international 360 and ENABLE (Enhancing Nigeria Advocacy for a better Business Environment). She is currently the Coordinator of the Albino Foundation Kano state Chapter and Assistant Secretary General Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Kano State. She has been in the fore front of albinism advocacy in Nigeria; championing and advocating for the rights of these vulnerable groups.
Eberendu Onyinyechi Anabel
Information Analyst, Office of Head of Civil Service
Eberendu Onyinyechi Anabel
Information Analyst, Office of Head of Civil Service
Eberendu Onyinyechi a native of Abia state Nigeria, was born in Sapele, a health child but suffered polio that left her with a Physical Disability which has never hindered her in any way because she accepts herself the way she is and has achieved great feats within her family and at the workplace. Though she’s the third child of eight children, she is the first University Graduate in the Family.
Eberendu Anabel bagged her first degree from the University of Porthacourt, Rivers State. After her one-year compulsory service to her father land in Ministry of Finance, Delta state, she got into the Civil Service in April 2014 and was posted to the Press and Media Relation Unit of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation from the then Federal Ministry of information.
She coordinates the writing of press releases, rejoinders, covering of events, media activities, monitoring and giving publicity to the Common Services Office.
A go-getter, nothing deters Eberendu as she is determined to get to the peak of her career regardless of the challenges that disability and an inaccessible environment pose.
This award honours a woman with a disability who has excelled in sports in Nigeria and has motivated other persons with disabilities through her success in her chosen sport Excellence in Sports
Lucy Ejike
Powerlifting
Lucy Ejike
Powerlifting
Lucy Ejike, the Paralympic queen of powerlifting, is no stranger to setting and breaking world and Olympic records, despite being afflicted with polio. The 39-year-old has represented Nigeria in five consecutive Paralympic Games from 2000 in Sydney to 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, where she served as team captain. She has won three gold and two silver medals in the course of her illustrious career. Ejike's story is one of resilience and courage. Not one to rest on her laurels, the mother of two is already gearing up to compete at the 2020 Paralympic Games. Lucy plans to start a foundation for sports development among disabled athletes. She wants to encourage them to rise above their disabilities and organize competitions for athletes, where winners are awarded prize money to support their training.
Irene Patrick-Ogbogu
Shooting
Irene Patrick-Ogbogu
Shooting
A Nigerian activist and polio survivor, Dr. Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogbogu is the most high-profile campaigner for the rights of women with disabilities in the country. A renowned SRHR, Gender and Disability expert, she has supported the gender equality and disability inclusion agendas in a very colorful career spanning over 25 years working in various capacities with various multi-lateral agencies. She is considered one of the most visible disabled feminists in the country. She argues for women with disabilities to be included in mainstream development agenda and given a seat at the table in Governance and other decision-making spaces. On the international stage at the 13th AWID Forum in Salvadore, Brazil, she made a case for countries in the Global North to begin to channel significant amount of resources to organizations of women with disabilities in the Global South in order to promote their visibility.
The Executive Director of DRAC, Irene was one of the prominent figures at the forefront of efforts to secure a disability legislation in Nigeria she championed the development of the National Policy on SRHR of Persons with Disabilities. Through her powerful work on SRHR and SGBV, she continues to expose the insidious nature of violence against women and girls with disabilities, while laying down a clear moral and practical basis for extending health, educational, socioeconomic and political rights to women with disabilities and protection for children with disabilities, for which she has been nominated for and won numerous awards and recognition. She holds a PhD (Social Work), 2 Masters’ Degrees (Demography and Social Statistics and Project Management and a Bachelors’ Degree in Public Administration. Exploring the world of sports, she is an Elite Female Shooter and currently serves as the Vice President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation and President of the Nigeria Shooting Para sports Federation.
Precious Orji
Powerlifting
Precious Orji
Powerlifting
Precious Orji is a polio survivor and a graduate of library studies from the Federal Polytechnic Nekede. Orji began powerlifting in 2001 in Imo State, Nigeria. She burst onto the international Para powerlifting scene at the 2014 World Championships when she became the world’s strongest female Paralympian. With her then world record of 151kg, she made the rest of the women’s over 86kg field sit up and pay attention. Once again in 2015 Orji strengthened her position at the top with another world best of 153kg at the Asian Open Championships. Then at Rio 2016 Orji added an incredible 7kg onto her previous best, leading to a 100 per cent record of gold medals and world records in the three major international competitions she has entered. Like she profoundly says “What doesn't kill me makes me stronger."
Bose Omolayo
Powerlifting
Bose Omolayo
Powerlifting
Bose Omolayo is a Paralympic Powerlifter and polio survivor. She shattered her own World Record (WR) and set a new one of 138kg to win Nigeria’s sixth GOLD medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Coming into the competition as the firm favorite to win, Omolayo lived up to the expectation. She has passion and love for fashion and can do several types of hair styles like braiding, weaving, twinning and fixing etc. This is she has done all her life; her great performances have earned her a spot on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) July ‘Athlete of the Month' shortlist. Like she profoundly says, “it is all God’s miracle and his blessings that I am living a dream. From nobody, I have become somebody.”
This award recognizes the woman with disability who through the arts and entertainment etc promotes disability inclusion and the visibility of women and girls with disabilities, while making outstanding contributions to the field Excellence in Media and Entertainment
Aver Akighir
TV Presenter
Aver Akighir
TV Presenter
Aver Akighir is from Ihugh, Vandeikya local government area of Benue state, Nigeria. She was born in mid-80's. She had a disability as a result of an accident which led to her amputation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the prestigious Benue state university, Makurdi. She is a footballer, currently the captain of Amputee Football Federation of Nigeria, she has been volunteering with various NGO's like CCD, Halyhope foundation, peniel foundation and several others. Aver is the founder of Benue Diva’s hangout (a meetings of young girls with disability) and co-founder of Questaid Foundation, CEO of Aver's cakes and pastries, a hairstylist, a motivational speaker and above all a renowned disability rights advocate through her disability-oriented TV program known as Possibilities TV show.
Queen Janet Taibat Fasakin
TV Presenter / Pageantry
Queen Janet Taibat Fasakin
TV Presenter / Pageantry
Mrs. Queen Taibat Janet Fasakin holds a bachelor’s degree in educational media and technology from the University of Ilorin Nigeria. She is a Broadcaster at NTA Headquarters Abuja, the first Deaf TV presenter on National Television Nigeria using Sign Languages as a means of Communication to the Public on Issues affecting the disability community and creating access to Information through Sign Language. She is an executive member of the Nigeria Disability Parliament and the CEO of Ability Plus Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organization focusing on Empowering persons with Disability through Entertainment, skill acquisition and more. Queen Janet is also the Coordinator/Incubator of Most Beautiful Deaf Girl in Nigeria Initiative (she was formerly Miss Deaf Nigeria, and Miss Philanthropy Central African).
She is the current Women Leader Abuja Association of the Deaf Women Wing and a producer at the Nigeria Television Authority Abuja
Very often, the individuals who support persons with disabilities thus ensuring their participation, go unrecognized and unappreciated. This award recognizes this unique set of female service providers and thanks them for their service Excellence in Person-Centred Service Provision
Bukunmi Adejumo
Sign language Interpreter
Bukunmi Adejumo
Sign language Interpreter
Bukunmi Adejumo is a Sign Language Interpreter working towards bridging the communication gap between the Deaf persons and their Hearing counterparts. She has been interpreting professionally since 2011 as a freelance Sign language interpreter. She has interpreted at various platforms ranging from the educational setting, community setting and high level meetings. Bukunmi graduated from Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, Oyo State where she studied Education for the Deaf/ Business Education. She proceeded to university of Ilorin, Kwara State for her Degree in Business Education. Bukunmi Adejumo with experience gathered over time could function professionally both in Expressive and Receptive Skills.
Victoria Olowosulu
Sign language Interpreter
Victoria Olowosulu
Sign language Interpreter
Olowosulu Iyabo Victoria is an expert consultant in disability inclusive advocacy, human right and international development practitioner with over 15 years of experience. She is a principal partner in BoyatBrand & Media Plus Ltd Nigeria, a seasoned interpreting firm which she co-founded. She is currently working under the department of women, children and vulnerable groups at the National Human Right Commission headquarters, Abuja.
She was part of the advocacy movements with several Disabled People Organizations on different projects including USAID-SACE project on Inclusive Basic Education for Children with Disabilities in FCT Abuja, Nassarawa and Kano states respectively. Victoria’s work has contributed immensely to the development and implementation of legal and policy frameworks on disability rights and inclusion in sectors like education, health, social protection, financial inclusion, telecommunications, public transport, public infrastructure, and the electoral process. She was actively involved in advocacy campaign build up culminating to the enactment of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition Act) in 2019
Victoria is an Alumni of the Australia Award and University of Jos; with M.A degree in International Development and B.Ed. degree in Special Education respectively.
Deborah Dangana
Sign language Interpreter
Deborah Dangana
Sign language Interpreter
Miss Dangana Deborah, a native of New Karu, from the Karu Local government area of Nassarawa State. She completed both primary and secondary school in Ibadan Oyo State, after which she proceeded to federal college of education Oyo special, Oyo State. Miss Deborah is a professional sign language interpreter here in Nigeria, she worked and volunteered at different programs, Seminars, courtesy visit, Advocacy, workshop etc. both nationally and internationally. She has provided a sign language interpretation services at Lebanon and Kenya and was nominated together with the ASLIN president by the deaf stakeholders to USA for a GAIN project together with two deaf leaders. She was amongst the six persons posted to the 6 general hospital to provide sign language interpretation services for the Deaf women as a pilot project sponsor by IPAS in F.C.T.
Apart from Interpreting for the deaf, she also worked with person with disabilities by bridging communication barriers between the deaf cluster group and the Society at large.
Lola Ogundeji
Sign language Interpreter
Lola Ogundeji
Sign language Interpreter
Ogundeji Temilola Sakirat (a.k.a Lola interpreter) is from Ibadan, Oyo State. A graduate of special education, specifically Deaf Education. Her journey to the world of the deaf and sign language interpretation started in 1986. She was an interpreter before she studied Special Education. Her first official job as an interpreter was with Nigeria breweries limited, now plc, in 1989. She was a volunteer interpreter for 18 consecutive years. Although she still interprets voluntarily when and where necessary. She worked and still working with several organizations like NNAD, JONAPWD, FORD FOUNDATION, PATHFINDER INTERNATIONAL, ARFH, SFH, DFID, USAID, AAIN, UKAID, CBN, DRAC, UNDP, I.R.I, INEC, C4C, VSO, IFES, UNIFEM, THE PRESIDENCY, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, AIT, BCOS, to mention but few.
The nominees for this award are exceptional young women who have undertaken to transform their lives and the lives of those around them. Outstanding Young Leader
Aver Akighir
Young Advocate
Aver Akighir
Young Advocate
Aver Akighir is from Ihugh, Vandeikya local government area of Benue state, Nigeria. She was born in mid-80's. She had a disability as a result of an accident which led to her amputation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the prestigious Benue state university, Makurdi. She is a footballer, currently the captain of Amputee Football Federation of Nigeria, she has been volunteering with various NGO's like CCD, Halyhope foundation, peniel foundation and several others. Aver is the founder of Benue Diva’s hangout (a meetings of young girls with disability) and co-founder of Questaid Foundation, CEO of Aver's cakes and pastries, a hairstylist, a motivational speaker and above all a renowned disability rights advocate through her disability-oriented TV program known as Possibilities TV show.
Susan Kelechi
Young Advocate
Susan Kelechi
Young Advocate
Ihuoma Sussan Kelechi has an OND in Computer Science from Yabatech, Bsc.Ed and PGD Genetic Counselling from The University of Lagos. She has Volunteered with the Lagos State Government in The Health and Educational Sectors for About 7 Years. Though A Polio Survivor, she has proved that disability isn't a barrier with Her diligence and punctuality at work and The number of awards she received when she was still working. She has added her voice in the advocacy for persons with disability who cannot speak for themselves, she has also partnered with NGOs and DPOs to Raise Salient questions as it affects persons with disability in an emerging Society Like Nigeria by Engaging Stakeholders, In Her Words, “We Rise by Lifting Others"
Okeoghene Jane Akpaeva
Young Advocate
Okeoghene Jane Akpaeva
Young Advocate
Okeoghene Jane Akpaeva is a graduate of sociology, an active member of the Rotary Club International and a budding facilitator who works to bring to the fore the challenges of youth with disability like herself, she is a great public speaker that is passionate about disability rights with a special bias for woman and girls with disabilities in Nigerian communities, she envisions a just world devoid of poverty and intolerant of all forms of discrimination.
Cited as the flagship award of the BBSJA, the recipient of this award stands out as an icon in the disability movement, recognizable for her achievements and works towards ensuring disability inclusion and championing the rights of women and girls with disabilities Woman with Disability of the Year
Irene Patrick-Ogbogu
Executive Director, DRAC
Irene Patrick-Ogbogu
Executive Director, DRAC
A Nigerian activist and polio survivor, Dr. Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogbogu is the most high-profile campaigner for the rights of women with disabilities in the country. A renowned SRHR, Gender and Disability expert, she has supported the gender equality and disability inclusion agendas in a very colorful career spanning over 25 years working in various capacities with various multi-lateral agencies. She is considered one of the most visible disabled feminists in the country. She argues for women with disabilities to be included in mainstream development agenda and given a seat at the table in Governance and other decision-making spaces. On the international stage at the 13th AWID Forum in Salvadore, Brazil, she made a case for countries in the Global North to begin to channel significant amount of resources to organizations of women with disabilities in the Global South in order to promote their visibility.
The Executive Director of DRAC, Irene was one of the prominent figures at the forefront of efforts to secure a disability legislation in Nigeria she championed the development of the National Policy on SRHR of Persons with Disabilities. Through her powerful work on SRHR and SGBV, she continues to expose the insidious nature of violence against women and girls with disabilities, while laying down a clear moral and practical basis for extending health, educational, socioeconomic and political rights to women with disabilities and protection for children with disabilities, for which she has been nominated for and won numerous awards and recognition. She holds a PhD (Social Work), 2 Masters’ Degrees (Demography and Social Statistics and Project Management and a Bachelors’ Degree in Public Administration. Exploring the world of sports, she is an Elite Female Shooter and currently serves as the Vice President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation and President of the Nigeria Shooting Para sports Federation.
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase
Founder / President, DWAN
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase
Founder / President, DWAN
Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, a Hard of Hearing person, popularly known as Mama Deaf She was born on the 12th January, 1955 at Ebute-Metta, Lagos, and had her primary and secondary education in Lagos, Nigeria. A trained social worker by the Lagos State Ministry of Sport and Social Development, she is the founder of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria, the immediate past Chairperson of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Lagos State Chapter, Vice chairperson, Disability Policy Advocacy Initiative and she is the distinguished lecturer of the year 2017 for STAND-U, Nigeria Independence Anniversary at Gallaudet University, Washington D.C New York, USA. She is a former member, Board of Trustees, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) and the National Women Leader of APC Persons with Disabilities Support Group. Her commitment to promote the rights and welfare of persons living with disabilities have earned her a lot of outstanding recognition from notable bodies such as Gallaudet University (Office of International Program), Washington DC, USA, Access Ability Model, kingdom of Sweden Embassy and the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja.
Toyin Janet Aderemi
Disability Advisor, UNRWA, Jordan
Toyin Janet Aderemi
Disability Advisor, UNRWA, Jordan
Dr. Toyin Janet Aderemi-Ige is currently the Disability Advisor to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). While the position is based in the Headquarters in Jordan, she oversees the disability inclusion works of UNRWA in all its five field offices in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank and Gaza. Prior to this position, Dr. Aderemi-Ige had worked as Country Representative for CBM Nigeria Country Office between 2015 and 2018. Previously, she worked as the Country Programme Manager of Light for the World in South Sudan and the HIV and Disability Technical Advisor for Handicap International (now Humanity & Inclusion). She holds a PhD (Behavioral Medicine), a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Pharmacy degrees. She has participated in many international discussions and conferences on disability inclusion. She has publications in peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to international documents. Toyin is a 2018 Her Abilities Award Winner (Health & Education category). She is an alumna of the International Fellowship Program of the Ford Foundation, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development.