Inclusive Skills Development Initiative -ISDI

Thanks for being a top engager and making it onto my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Barry Garba, Ahinche Abigail, Upalang Mashat, Nan Chifwang

With Ford Foundation – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 3 months in a row. 🎉

🎉🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Clementina Okon

On behalf of the Management and entire team of Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI), we wish our dear staff, Clementina, a very happy and beautiful birthday.
May this new year of your life bring you joy, good health, greater opportunities, success, and abundant blessings. May God continue to guide, strengthen, and prosper you in all your endeavours.

Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and valuable contributions to ISDI. We truly appreciate you and wish you many more years of fulfilment and happiness.

With warm wishes from Management and the entire ISDI family.

Thank you West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) CSR-Hub for West Africa Placements Ghana for the awesome opportunity to learn

Strengthening Civic Space Through Resource Mobilisation and Financial Resilience

When civic actors come together, organisations become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to create lasting impact—and it becomes even more meaningful when persons with disabilities and their organisations are intentionally included.

From 11–13 August 2026 at The Palms Hotel, Abuja, Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI) proudly participated in Pillar 3: Resource Mobilisation and Financial Resilience under the Civic Space Resource Hub (CSR-Hub) for CSOs in West Africa.

Mrs. Angelina Ugben, Executive Director of Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI), represented the organisation at this important three-day learning and capacity-building workshop, alongside 24 participants representing 24 civil society organisations across West Africa.

The workshop explored practical strategies for resource mobilisation, social capital, social media and crowdfunding, corporate partnerships, institutional and government funding, proposal writing, and long-term financial sustainability.

Mrs. Angelina Ugben sincerely appreciates the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) CSR-Hub for West Africa , Placements Ghana and the Ford Foundation for their support and, most importantly, for the inclusion and recognition of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in this important civic space and capacity-building initiative.

She noted that the inclusion of OPDs is a significant step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in discussions around resource mobilisation, financial resilience, civic participation, leadership, and sustainable development.

Angelina further expressed her commitment to sharing and cascading the knowledge, skills, experiences, and lessons gained from the training to the wider community of persons with disabilities, particularly OPDs and disability-led organisations. This will help more organisations strengthen their resource mobilisation strategies, build financial resilience, improve sustainability, and increase their impact in their communities.

Beyond the training sessions, the workshop provided a valuable platform for civic actors to share experiences, exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and strengthen the strategies needed to sustain their organisations and maximise their impact.

Stronger organisations. Resilient civic actors. Inclusive and sustainable civil society across West Africa.

Strengthening Civic Space Through Resource Mobilisation and Financial Resilience

When civic actors come together, organisations become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to create lasting impact—and it becomes even more meaningful when persons with disabilities and their organisations are intentionally included.

From 11–13 August 2026 at The Palms Hotel, Abuja, Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI) proudly participated in Pillar 3: Resource Mobilisation and Financial Resilience under the Civic Space Resource Hub (CSR-Hub) for CSOs in West Africa.

Mrs. Angelina Ugben, Executive Director of Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI), represented the organisation at this important three-day learning and capacity-building workshop, alongside 24 participants representing 24 civil society organisations across West Africa.

The workshop explored practical strategies for resource mobilisation, social capital, social media and crowdfunding, corporate partnerships, institutional and government funding, proposal writing, and long-term financial sustainability.

Mrs. Angelina Ugben sincerely appreciates the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) , CSR-Hub for West Africa, Placements Ghana and the Ford Foundation for their support and, most importantly, for the inclusion and recognition of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in this important civic space and capacity-building initiative.

She noted that the inclusion of OPDs is a significant step towards ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in discussions around resource mobilisation, financial resilience, civic participation, leadership, and sustainable development.

Angelina further expressed her commitment to sharing and cascading the knowledge, skills, experiences, and lessons gained from the training to the wider community of persons with disabilities, particularly OPDs and disability-led organisations. This will help more organisations strengthen their resource mobilisation strategies, build financial resilience, improve sustainability, and increase their impact in their communities.

Beyond the training sessions, the workshop provided a valuable platform for civic actors to share experiences, exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, and strengthen the strategies needed to sustain their organisations and maximise their impact.

Stronger organisations. Resilient civic actors. Inclusive and sustainable civil society across West Africa.

If you know any Person with Disability or their direct family members who own businesses or dreams to own a business and are willing to learn digital marketing skills that will help scale the business they do, kindly share the opportunity this training offers. The training is commencing this August and only a few slots are left. Share the link for the registration with those interested around you by reposting t his. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKOSSXdEb98W6JOcLScZs6x1_dNqZenPmeCkBWK3YLWp58Jw/viewform?usp=header

Ford Foundation

Official Condolence Statement from the Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI)

It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that the Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI) announces the passing of our beloved colleague and dedicated staff member, Mr. Edwin Ahazurike, who served faithfully as our Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer.
The news of Edwin's passing came as a devastating shock to the entire ISDI family. Words cannot fully express the depth of our grief. We are heartbroken beyond measure. 😭💔
Edwin was more than a staff member—he was a passionate, hardworking, and highly committed professional whose dedication, integrity, humility, and respect for others earned him the admiration of everyone who had the privilege of working with him. Every responsibility entrusted to him was carried out with excellence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. His contributions to ISDI and the lives he touched will never be forgotten.
Our hearts ache even more knowing that he has left behind his young wife and their precious 8-month-old baby. This painful loss is a reminder that life is fragile and that tomorrow is never promised.
As an organization, we are reminded that beyond our work, achievements, and ambitions, what truly matters is the love we share, the kindness we show, and the positive impact we make in the lives of others. Edwin lived a life of service, and his legacy will continue to inspire us.
On behalf of the Board, Management, Staff, Volunteers, and the entire ISDI family, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, child, family, friends, and all who mourn his passing. We stand with them during this incredibly difficult time and pray that God grants them strength, comfort, and peace.

Though Edwin is no longer with us physically, his dedication, compassion, and commitment to the mission of ISDI will forever remain in our hearts.

Rest in perfect peace, Mr. Edwin Ahazurike. 🕊️💔
You will forever remain a valued member of the ISDI family.

It was an amazing and impactful training at Kuje Area Council!

The Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI) successfully concluded its Laptop and Mobile Phone Repair Training Programme for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at the Gomo's Palace, Kuje Area Council, FCT,
Abuja.
The programme equipped participants with practical, in-demand technical skills to enhance employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote economic independence. Implemented across AMAC, Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje Area Councils, the initiative is empowering persons with disabilities with the knowledge and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods.
Participants expressed their sincere appreciation to the Ford Foundation for its generous support and to ISDI for creating life-changing opportunities that advance disability inclusion and economic empowerment.
Building on this success, ISDI is set to launch an Online Digital Marketing Skills Training Programme in August 2026, benefiting approximately 500 persons with disabilities.

Together, we are expanding digital opportunities, transforming lives, and building an inclusive future where no one is left behind.

Congratulations Rebecca👏🎉
we pray for God's grace and protection

We are thrilled to announce Rebecca Cokley as Program Director of the U.S. Disability Rights Program. Since joining Ford, Rebecca has been instrumental in building our disability rights work from the ground up. Her leadership has fundamentally shifted how philanthropy engages with disability, ensuring it remains a critical cornerstone in the fight against inequality. Read more: https://www.fordfoundation.org/news-and-stories/news-and-press/news/ford-foundation-promotes-rebecca-cokley-to-program-director-for-u-s-disability-rights/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=News&utm_content=DirectorCokley