Sisters Launch Disability Rights Initiative in Nigeria

When Prada and Oprah Uzodimma-Ohaeri founded The Ability Life Initiative in 2020, they weren't chasing headlines. They were answering a call rooted in empathy and anchored in action.

The sisters, daughters of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, bring complementary skills to their mission of advancing disability inclusion across Nigeria. Oprah's background in public health pairs with Prada's legal expertise to create a foundation that tackles both policy and human dignity.

Their approach is refreshingly practical. TALI has organized skincare outreaches for people with albinism, distributing sunscreen and education on sun protection in Abuja and Imo State. They've donated educational materials to students with disabilities and conducted training sessions on communication apps that help nonverbal individuals express themselves.

What sets the sisters apart is their focus on wellness as inclusion. Mental health support, emotional safety, and accessible care aren't afterthoughts in their programs. They're core pillars that recognize disability rights extend far beyond ramps and parking spaces.

The foundation recently formalized partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria's fight against disability discrimination. These aren't symbolic gestures but strategic moves to embed accessibility into systems that have long overlooked it.

Why This Inspires

In a landscape where advocacy often stays loud but shallow, the Uzodimma sisters are building infrastructure that outlasts news cycles. They understand that true inclusion requires changing policies, mindsets, and daily realities for millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.

Their work challenges a crucial assumption: that privilege and purpose can't coexist. Raised with advantages, they're using access to open doors for others. Their foundation proves that legacy isn't about wealth passed down but about dignity lifted up.

The sisters operate with quiet authority, preferring measurable impact over viral moments. Every program addresses a specific gap, from healthcare access to educational equity to legal protection.

Nigeria is home to over 25 million people with disabilities, many facing barriers in education, employment, and basic services. TALI's work chips away at these obstacles one strategic program at a time, treating people not as charity cases but as citizens owed full participation in society.

For Prada and Oprah, ability defines the Nigerian story, not disability. Their foundation transforms that belief into trainings, policies, and protections that make inclusion more than a buzzword.

True impact gets measured in lives seen, heard, and empowered.