Students Applaud JAMACE’s Creative-Tech Summit For Disability Inclusion

In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the JAMACE Africa Foundation hosted its 2nd edition of the Inner Ability Summit
-a powerful event that highlighted the creativity, talent, and resilience of young Nigerians with disabilities. Students from across Lagos gathered to showcase their abilities, as experts and advocates shared insights on the transformative potential of technology and creative expression for people with disabilities.

The summit, held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, attracted active participation from students of Lagos State University, the UNILAG Special Needs Education Department, the Disability Support Office, Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, and the Federal Nigeria Society of the Blind (FNSB). These students lauded the foundation for its groundbreaking work in disability inclusion across music, technology, sports, and welfare, appreciating JAMACE’s efforts to bridge the access gap for individuals with disabilities.

Founder and Convener, Mr. Chukwuemeka Chimdiebere Rucci, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through creative arts, media, technology, and inclusive sports. The summit created platforms for participants to learn, express themselves, and build sustainable livelihoods.

Filmmaker Ade Adeyipo, CEO of Light Work Media House, shared his journey supporting a deaf beauty queen to win a fashion pageant and providing voice-over opportunities for a visually impaired talent. He highlighted the need for better compensation for creatives with disabilities and reaffirmed his partnership with JAMACE in empowering filmmakers with disabilities.

Stephen Adeyemo, CEO of Exportplug, demonstrated how his platform facilitates export business for persons with disabilities using AI-powered translation and global networking tools.

Exord Akinyemi Akinke, a blind voice-over artist, expressed gratitude to the foundation and encouraged students with disabilities to be bold and confident in pursuing their crafts.

Oluwamayowa Joshua Oke, Executive Secretary of FNSB, showcased vocational training programs that focus on self-reliance through tie-dye, bead making, shoemaking, music, and education. He noted that “persons with disabilities are often more focused and goal-oriented, with fewer distractions.”
Timilehin Akinsoyinu, CEO of Clarity Mental Health Services, introduced a mental-health app specifically designed to support the well-being of persons with disabilities, stressing that mental health is often neglected in favor of career development.

A major highlight of the summit was the presence of sign-language volunteers, who interpreted the entire programme, ensuring that deaf participants could fully engage with the proceedings.

Additionally, a panel session moderated by Aderonkero (MC) explored key issues like technology innovations, mental health, and relationship dynamics, offering practical tools for living fulfilled, balanced lives.

JAMACE also took time to recognize its dedicated volunteers-
including Temi Amina, Abednego Noris, and Jesulayomi, the first African rapper to perform as a blind artiste-for their invaluable contributions to training, logistics, and outreach.

The success of the summit was a testament to the power of collaborations. JAMACE continues to lead the way in creating a world where people are celebrated for their abilities, not their limitations.
As the summit concluded, students and industry leaders alike reaffirmed their commitment to building an inclusive, empowering environment for all.