Almajiris and Other At-Risk Children to Build Satellites and Join Global Space

Job Napoleon Agbor ACFE, Convener: Pioneers of Nigeria’s National and International Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Changers Advocates.

In a groundbreaking announcement during the Pioneers’ Inaugural Annual Post-UN General Assembly World Joint Press Conference in Abuja, the Pioneers of Nigeria’s Disability Civil Rights Movement and Policy Advocates revealed a transformative vision for Nigeria’s At-Risk Children, including Almajiris, Agboros, Militants, IPOB youth, Scolumbus and others. These vulnerable groups, often seen as victims of societal neglect, are now set to receive training to build satellites entirely made in Nigeria, aiming to join global advancements in space technology.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the PACT FOR THE FUTURE, adopted by UN Member States on September 22, 2024, during the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly’s Summit of the Future. It also integrates frameworks like the UNDP Timbuctoo, Nothing About Us Initiative, 2024 USAID Disability Policy, UNCRPD, SDGs Agenda 2030, and Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

Visionary Leadership and Strategic Goals

The Convener of the event, Job Napoleon Agbor, a renowned Disability Civil Rights Movement & Policy Changer Advocate, announced the initiative aneing led by Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, BoT Life-Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD-Nigeria), and Chief Eric Ndubueze Ufom, President of Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International Inc.in Housten, Texas, USA. Representing Chief Ufom was The Social Director, Mrs. Obianuju Ogwuegbu.

The Pioneers envision transforming At-Risk Children—currently seen as public nuisances and prone to recruitment by kidnappers, terrorists, and bandits—into future scientists and inventors. The training will equip them to build drones, infrared systems, and other innovations that can enhance national security, detect terrorism, and protect critical infrastructure, such as oil pipelines.

Adopting Champions for the Cause

In a historic move, the Pioneers adopted Her Excellency Senator Remi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, as the “Face of the Pact for the Future”, recognizing her dedication to grassroots initiatives and inclusion.

The Pioneers also extended their call to prominent Nigerians in global institutions, adopting notable figures like:

• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization
• Dr. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
• Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa
• Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank

These individuals were named as “Global PWD Advocates, Faces of the Pact of the Future”.

On the national front, philanthropists like Prince Arthur Eze, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Mike Adenuga were adopted as “National PWD Advocates, Faces of the Summit of the Future”.

The Action Plan: Inclusive Education and Peacebuilding

The Pioneers announced plans for a nationwide Disability and Women-Inclusive Grassroots Community-Based Participatory Movement. This initiative will focus on:

• STEM education, blockchain, robotics, and entrepreneurship training for at-risk children, from kindergarten to adult education.
• Addressing historical traumas and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), major contributors to insecurity and community conflicts in Nigeria.
• Promoting peacebuilding and inclusivity in governance.

Call for Unity and Collaboration

The Pioneers emphasized that achieving these ambitious goals requires collective effort. They called on Nigeria’s government, international organizations, and civil society to support the initiative. They also urged appointed PWD leaders under President Tinubu’s administration to set aside personal differences and work collaboratively.

Representatives at the event included Mr. Lanre, Media Director to the Senior Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Disability Matters, Hon. Mrs. Felicia Yakzum, former SSA to Governor Simon Lalong, and General Adeoye, representing Nigeria’s Wounded Warriors and First Responders.

The Pioneers concluded by reaffirming their commitment to rehabilitating At-Risk Children and ensuring that no one is left behind. This initiative represents a bold step toward a more inclusive and innovative Nigeria, where insecurity, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry etc can be a thing of the past.