Federal Government Backs Disability Inclusion as “Born to Create a Living Legacy: Dave & Kirti Care Foundation Marks Founder’s Birthday with Massive Disability Empowerment Drive”

It was a day of celebration, compassion and renewed commitment to disability inclusion as the KKF Legacy Society, Nigeria Chapter, in collaboration with the Dave & Kirti Care Foundation, hosted a landmark empowerment event in Lagos themed “Born to Create a Living Lasting Legacy.”

The occasion, which coincided with the birthday of Mr. Dave co-founder of the NGO alongside Kirti transformed what could have been a personal celebration into a powerful humanitarian outreach focused on persons with disabilities.

Mr. Dave, widely recognized for providing assistive tools, rehabilitation support and socio-economic opportunities for persons with disabilities, once again demonstrated that impact is greater than celebration. His foundation has continued to shelter, empower and restore dignity to individuals living with disabilities, equipping them with tools to become relevant and productive members of society.

Presidential Endorsement and Federal Commitment

A major highlight of the event was the presence of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, whose appointment was recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa delivered an emotional and powerful speech, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to disability inclusion.

He stated: “And give me a clear mandate that I should work collaboratively with the Governors, with the traditional institutions, with the religious institutions, civil society organizations, with philanthropists like the people that are all gathered here today and create avenues of opportunities for those with disabilities. That is why I’m here.”

Commending the foundation and its founders, he added: “You can see how KKF Foundation and Mr. Dave Who Shelter Foundation, championed by my friends beside me Mr. Dave and Kirti… you’re doing a great job. May God continue to bless you.”

He urged donors and development partners to align with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda:

“I want to assure all the honoring partners, the philanthropists, the donors to key into the Renewed Hope because it has become a Federal Government project. This is the commitment of the Federal Government.”

In a deeply personal moment, Hon. Isa shared his own journey:

“Disability can happen to anybody and anyone. I was walking with my two legs after my graduation, all of a sudden I had a ghastly motor accident that confined me to a wheelchair for 21 years now.”

He expressed gratitude to the late former Governor of Yobe State, Bukar Abba Ibrahim, who supported him through his medical journey.

“After everything, I asked myself what am I going to do to support the less privileged community? It’s not everybody that will have the opportunity of engaging with high-status individuals and with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He further emphasized that President Tinubu had long demonstrated commitment to persons with disabilities:

“President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of the first persons, even before he became President, looking out for the less privileged.”

He concluded with a call for unity and collaboration:

“Mr. President has a lot of transformation for this country. Let us work collectively, with collaboration and partnership… Thank you so much and God bless Nigeria.”

Dignitaries Speak: “Leaders Are Meant to Serve”

The event also featured goodwill messages and interviews from invited dignitaries.

Reverend Mrs. Olubusola Lanre Ogunowo

Reverend Mrs. Olubusola Lanre Ogunowo, wife of Ogun State Commissioner of Police CP Lanre Ogunowo, described the event as a celebration of impact rather than mere festivity.

“This occasion is about giving back. Even though it’s Uncle Dave’s birthday, he wants to celebrate people and just be a blessing.”

She highlighted the importance of empowerment:

“He’s changed a lot of people’s lives because he’s given them a tool to work with.”

Addressing concerns about NGOs being abused, she noted:

“You cannot guard against that. There are some people whose hearts are not there, but we also have a lot of people whose hearts are there… I wouldn’t want helpers to be discouraged.”

She called for improved regulation rather than withdrawal of support and advised the government:

“Leaders are meant to serve. Serve the people.”

Her birthday wish to Mr. Dave was heartfelt:

“Long life and prosperity. You’re doing great — don’t relent.”

“A Drop Can Fill the Ocean” — Mercy Ezenwa

Also present was Mercy Ezenwa, MD/CEO of Kangid Waters Machine Limited and Mercy’s Place, who described the event as “glamorous” and impactful.

She recounted how her shared passion for empowering women connected her with Mr. Dave:
“His love to empower women drove me to him… I’m not surprised he’s doing this because I know he’s a humanitarian person to the core.”

On national impact, she said: “A drop cannot make an ocean but constant drops can one day form a river that can fill the ocean. If we stop doing what we’re doing, we would not help people.”

She emphasized that empowerment initiatives like this restore dignity: “People that are lame now know that there is opportunity for them to have their feet walking and they can be positively part of the society.”

Her advice to government: “Encourage more of such. Look out for people doing things like this and back them up… If the government can do more, we can impact the community together.”

A Celebration Beyond Birthdays

The event stood as more than a birthday gathering. It became a convergence of philanthropy, governance, civil society and faith leaders, united by a common mission: restoring hope and opportunity to persons with disabilities.

Through collaboration between NGOs, private philanthropists and the Presidency’s Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, the message was clear:

Disability is not inability.
Empowerment restores dignity.
And legacy is built through service.

As the program drew to a close, one thing was certain. Mr. Dave’s birthday will be remembered not for candles, but for lives touched, futures restored, and a renewed national commitment to inclusion.

About Author