Okpe Union of PWDs

Historical Background of the Isaac Joshua Initiative for Disabilities (IJID)

I am Isaac Joshua Odjuwu, a native of Okegberode and Ugborhen communities in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. I began my early education at Ugborhen Primary School and later attended Adaka Grammar School in Ugborhen for my junior secondary education. I proceeded to Ekiti Government College, Ikere-Ekiti, where I completed my senior secondary school education after my rehabilitation as a blind person in 2014. I am the youngest of nine siblings.

As a young man filled with hope and ambition for a brighter future, I ventured into business with great determination. However, my life took a dramatic turn on August 23, 2012, when an accidental loss of my sight occured. This sudden experience of blindness brought deep frustration, emotional pain, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. It challenged my perception of life and momentarily shook my confidence and aspirations.

Despite this life-altering setback, I refused to surrender to despair. In the midst of my struggles, I began to reflect deeply and ask critical, transformative questions: If self-pity, indoor-isolation, and frustration could not restore my sight, what then was the way forward? How could I rebuild my life and create meaning despite my condition? Through prayer, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose, I resolved to pursue education as a pathway to empowerment and self-reliance.

Driven by this conviction, I sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination and secured admission into Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where I studied Political Science. My time in the university exposed me to knowledge, skills, and perspectives that strengthened my capacity to live independently and succeed as a visually impaired individual. In 2024, I successfully graduated, marking a significant milestone in my journey of resilience and self-discovery.

My lived experiences—both the challenges of disability and the triumph of overcoming barriers—became the foundation of my belief that persons with disabilities are not limited by their conditions but by the opportunities available to them. I became convinced that with the right support systems, access to education, and inclusive policies, persons with disabilities can thrive and contribute meaningfully to societal development.

It is this conviction that inspired the establishment of the Isaac Joshua Initiative for Disabilities (IJID). IJID is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the rights, dignity, inclusion, and meaningful empowerment of persons with disabilities and their guidance across Nigeria. The organization also extends its support to widows and underprivileged children, recognizing the interconnected nature of vulnerability and social exclusion.

Through advocacy, capacity building, and community engagement, IJID seeks to challenge societal stereotypes, influence inclusive policies, and create opportunities that empower marginalized groups to achieve their full potential. The organization stands as a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and the belief that disability is not inability.

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 IS THE DEAL DAY
You Are Cordially Invited

For far too long, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria have been viewed through the narrow lens of charity and pity. But we must ask ourselves: Are PWDs not capable of making meaningful contributions to societal growth and national development? The answer is clear—they are capable, valuable, and essential contributors to progress.

The real challenge, therefore, is not ability—but access, inclusion, and opportunity.

What practical steps must be taken to ensure that PWDs are fully included in governance, economic development, education, and leadership across Nigeria?

This important conversation takes center stage at the Delta State Edition of the National Convention of the Isaac Joshua Initiative for Disabilities (IJID).

This landmark event will convene:

Key government officials and policymakers

Development partners and advocacy groups

Industry leaders and private sector stakeholders

Traditional rulers and community influencers

Renowned guest speakers and members of the press

Together, we will:

Critically examine existing government policies and reforms

Assess their real impact on Persons with Disabilities

Identify gaps and barriers to inclusion

Propose practical, forward-thinking solutions for sustainable change

The Isaac Joshua Initiative for Disabilities (IJID) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing disability rights, promoting inclusion, and ensuring the active participation of Persons with Disabilities in decision-making processes across Nigeria.

Event Details
Theme: Inclusive Policies: Prioritizing Vulnerable Populations
📍 Venue: Council Event Hall, Sapele Secretariat, Delta State.
Time: 10:30AM.
📅 Date: Friday, May 15, 2026

This is more than just a convention—it is a platform for voices to be heard, ideas to be shared, and change to be driven.

Are you passionate about inclusion?
Do you want to contribute to shaping policies that affect millions of Nigerians?
Would you like to be part of a constructive engagement with leaders and stakeholders?

Then this is your opportunity.

📞 For inquiries and participation:
+234 902 856 5620
+234 803 231 0521
Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram: Isaac Joshua Initiative for Disabilities.
You may join the program virtually on our page.

Join us. Be part of the conversation. Be part of the change.