An aide of the Speaker of the House of Representatives on special needs and prominent campaigners for people with disabilities were honoured with the prestigious Naija Autistic and Disability Awards, NADA, at a virtual ceremony on Friday.
AbdulSalam Idowu Kamaldeen, who, before his appointment by House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajamiala, eked a living as a homeless street beggar and subsequently put himself through university to study law received the Inspirational Personality award.
Two others who received the same award as Inspirational Personality are the Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD , David Anyaele and Cerebral Palsy Centre, CPC founder , Nonye Nweke .
Aside their directors’ being honoured for their trailblazing initiatives and campaigning efforts , both CCD and CPC themselves also got honoured for their services to people living with disabilities.
Other organisations honoured for services were: The Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind, Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted children, Atunda -Olu School for the Physically Challenged and Mentally Retarded Children and First Bank. Gbajabiamila, was the only individual to be honoured in the services category.
Speaking during her keynote speech on “The Need for an Inclusive Society that Cares for Children with Disabilities,” Nweke said such a society stands to derive many benefits including reducing isolation and awareness for parents whose children have lifelong conditions like her daughter.
Anyaele, on his part, said the kindness shown to him by Nigerians and coupled with the challenge given to him by his dad to “go and do likewise,” are part of the relentless effort driving the work of CCD.
While commending the awardees for providing inspiration for selflessness and services to people living with disabilities in the country , NADA founder , Tunde Oyedoyin, urged the awardees to not relent in their efforts.
