The management of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) on Thursday received the leadership of the Cedar Seed Foundation on a courtesy visit at the Institute’s Headquarters, Abuja; to explore areas of collaboration aimed at promoting digital inclusion and online safety for persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of DBI, Mr. David Daser, alongside the Head of Corporate Services, Mrs. Ngozi Nwoche, and the Head of Finance, Mr. Sunday Ikwulono, welcomed the delegation led by the Founder and Executive Director of the Cedar Seed Foundation, Mrs. Lois Auta.

Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Auta commended DBI for its commitment to advancing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities.

She noted that the Foundation has consistently partnered with development organisations to provide ICT training and equip its members with digital and social media skills to advocate for disability inclusion.

Mrs. Auta explained that women with disabilities face “triple jeopardy” — first as women, second as persons with disabilities, and third through barriers such as exclusion, underrepresentation, institutional limitations, and inadequate medical and infrastructural support.

She also praised DBI for providing accessible facilities, including elevators, and appealed to the Institute to reserve training opportunities for persons with disabilities in areas such as digital technology, cybersecurity, and other digital skills.

According to her, such opportunities would enable beneficiaries to learn from the comfort of their homes, offices, or classrooms while becoming financially independent.

She further requested that DBI extend invitations to the Foundation whenever relevant training programmes are organised, thereby enabling the Foundation to mobilise its members. She added that both organisations could jointly engage development partners to expand opportunities and improve the lives of women and girls with disabilities.

The courtesy visit marked the beginning of discussions on a strategic partnership between DBI and the Cedar Seed Foundation aimed at bridging the digital rights gap and promoting inclusive access to digital skills and online safety for persons with disabilities.

Responding, the DBI President/CEO, Mr. David Daser, assured the delegation that the Institute would give due consideration to their requests and ensure greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in its future training programmes.

He also pledged to liaise with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other relevant agencies to strengthen the proposed collaboration for the benefit of the Foundation and the wider community of persons with disabilities.

Mr. Daser further stated that DBI already maintains working relationships with organisations such as Sightsavers and GIZ, partnerships which, he noted, would be of immense benefit in advancing the proposed collaboration and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities.

By: Soji-Eze Fagbemi & Ilyas Maryam