Nigerian Disability Forum UK elects officials with Dr John Adegbite becoming its president

DISABLED rights campaign group the Nigerian Disability Forum UK (NDFUK) have formally launched their organisation with the election of officials to run their affairs as part of an ambitious programme to address the concerns afflicting the sector.

Made up of Nigerians in the UK with disabilities and the families of people living with one form of disability, NDFUK will serve as the umbrella group of all the numerous charities and non-governmental organisations in the sector. Having elected its officials, NDFUK now plans to join the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) and drive the disability agenda across the diaspora community in the UK.

Following today's elections, Dr John Adegbite becomes president, Olaniyi Alabi is vice president, Dr Hannah Mshelbwala is general secretary, Abi Adegbite becomes assistant secretary, while Florence Allen was elected treasurer. Grace Alexander becomes social secretary, Maryam Balogun was elected publicity secretary, while Abimbola Alayo becomes welfare secretary.

Dr Adegbite said: "We are now the first point of call for all matters relating to disability and shall take out responsibilities very seriously. We shall be joining Canuk and providing the community with guidance on all matters relating to disability.

"Very few Nigerian businesses premises and restaurants in the UK have facilities for the disabled and we will be working with them to address this. Even the high commission does not have disability access, so again, we will be offering advice and working with all the parties involved in the project."

Now that the association has been formed, NDFUK will be looking to adopt a constitution and start planning for a disability day event. According to Dr Mshelbwala, the plan is to make the disability day an annual event in the UK to help raise awareness.