TALI’s push for action as art for ability auction drives disability inclusion
The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) recorded strong institutional backing at its Art for Ability exhibition and auction in Abuja with representatives of the Presidency in attendance, reinforcing growing national support
The Ability Life Initiative (TALI) recorded strong institutional backing at its Art for Ability exhibition and auction in Abuja with representatives of the Presidency in attendance, reinforcing growing national support for disability inclusion initiatives driven by action and measurable impact.
Among those present were Seyi Tinubu and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, whose participation underscored the importance of transitioning from policy conversations to practical interventions that expand economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Founded by Dr. Prada Uzodimma and Ms. Oprah Uzodimma-Ohaeri, TALI has, over the past five years, advanced a structured approach to inclusion, focusing on bridging access gaps across education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The Art for Ability auction represents another key project within the organisation’s broader strategy to translate advocacy into tangible outcomes.
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The event attracted policymakers, cultural leaders, and development stakeholders, including Hannatu Musa Musawa, Mohammed Abba Isa, Chioma Uzodimma, and cultural icon Nike Davies-Okundaye, reflecting cross-sector alignment on the need for inclusive growth.
During the auction, Seyi Tinubu engaged with guests and bidders, encouraging participation and reinforcing the initiative’s central message that inclusion must be intentionally funded and structurally embedded.
His engagement contributed to heightened momentum, with several artworks attracting bids running into millions of naira.
The exhibition featured works that combined artistic expression with strong social messaging, each piece reflecting themes of identity, resilience, and the redefinition of disability within the context of opportunity and value.
Beyond the exhibition, the central focus remained economic impact. .
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Proceeds from the auction are being deployed as seed capital for entrepreneurs with disabilities across Nigeria, supporting small businesses in sectors such as agriculture, tailoring, technology repair, and food production.
Nike Davies-Okundaye noted that the initiative goes beyond funding, emphasizing that beneficiaries will also receive financial literacy training to ensure sustainability, discipline, and long-term growth.
Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, First Lady of Imo State, reiterated that creating access for persons with disabilities must be approached as economic empowerment rather than charity, stressing the need to position inclusion within national productivity and development frameworks.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive economic development and expanded access to opportunities for underserved populations.
For TALI, the Art for Ability auction reflects a deliberate shift from awareness to execution. By leveraging Nigeria’s creative sector as a funding mechanism, the organisation is pioneering a model where art serves as a direct channel for capital mobilisation and enterprise development.
Now in its fifth year, TALI continues to deepen its impact through initiatives that prioritise access, participation, and economic independence for persons with disabilities.
The event reinforced a central message: inclusion must move beyond rhetoric to action — supported by investment, partnerships, and systems that deliver measurable results.
