The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has extended its heartfelt appreciation and commendation to Barrister Shola Gabriel, Director of Legal Services and Board Secretary of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), for his outstanding and selfless contribution to the cause of disability inclusion in Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement signed by NANS National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Comrade Samson Adeyemi.

The student body noted how, in a rare act of patriotic commitment and social justice, Gabriel personally facilitated the employment of 13 persons with disabilities into federal government agencies, using his goodwill, network, and personal resources not as an obligation of his office, but as a personal mission to correct systemic imbalance and promote equity.

“Even more commendable is his bold legal action as he has instituted a court case against 16 federal agencies that recently conducted recruitment exercises without complying with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.

“This courageous move is not only lawful but morally upright and a clear stand against exclusion, marginalisation, and injustice,” the statement reads in part.

The NANS leadership, on behalf of over 40 million Nigerian students at home and in the diaspora, said it felt proud to identify with Gabriel as a true hero of the people.

It said, “His actions are a challenge to public servants across the nation to rise above convenience and mediocrity and become champions of the oppressed and voiceless.

“We believe that if more Nigerians in positions of influence took similar initiatives, the nation would be a far more inclusive and equitable society.

“Barrister Gabriel has made history, not just by what he has done, but by the powerful message his actions have sent to future generations: that one man, with purpose and courage, can make a difference.”

As students and young advocates of justice, inclusion, and good governance, NANS vowed to continue to support efforts that promote equality, social justice, and protection of the rights of all, especially students and persons living with disabilities.

“We call on government agencies, civil society, and stakeholders to recognise, support, and replicate this noble initiative,” the student body further stated.

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