What began as a nine-year-old girl’s dream to stand up for children with disabilities, has blossomed into a national partnership with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
The Queen’s Dream Initiative (QDI), founded by the young activist who is now an 18-year-old law student, at the University of Ottawa, Canada, has joined forces with NCPWD to strengthen advocacy, inclusion, and support systems for children with disabilities across Nigeria.
QDI has focused on providing essential school items and promoting the rights of children with disabilities, a mission that has now gained fresh momentum through this collaboration.
In his welcome remark, the Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, while playing host to the initiator, praised the initiative as a shining example of passion and resilience. “Great things begin from humble beginnings. We pray that the Queen’s Dream Initiative will flourish and extend its impact across Nigeria and to the world,” he said.
He further encouraged QDI to learn from sustainable charity models such as the Dash Me Foundation and expand its reach beyond Abuja.
The Commission also commended the young founder’s determination, while her mother, Mrs. Shade Ogundairo, expressed pride in her daughter’s journey and emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating lasting change.
According to the Press Release, signed by the Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Ishaku Kigbu, both the NCPWD and QDI pledged to develop initiatives that will empower children with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities for education, growth, and development.
The release further stated that this partnership underscores the power of youthful vision in driving social impact and proving that even childhood dreams can transform into national change.