A Visionary Leader and Advocate for Inclusivity.
My name is Tijani Isah Idris from Kogi state (Ebira by tribe)I was born in Lagos, Nigeria and attended nursery, primary and secondary school in the northern part of Nigeria. While attending school I discovered my talents with basketball and I played in the Nigerian basketball league. My love for basketball plus my academics allowed me to play with several teams including kadas super stars basketball team in Kaduna state and then Niger potters basket ball team in Minna, Niger state.
I played most of my basketball career in Minna. I attended Ahmadu Bello university Zaria studying Political Science and I played on the school basketball team as well. I would have never thought my skills and talents would later take me to the United States of America to continue my studies. I attended Erie Community college first and then Buffalo State University in Buffalo New York. From there I played professional basketball in Middle East for a year.
During my traveling and experiences I saw many countries that had a lack of food and supplies for their citizens. I knew in my heart that one day I would be in position to give to those in need especially the residents with disabilities. I currently reside in Missouri as a successful business owner. I chose Nigeria to support because of my upbringing and the culture. I want to empower the less privilege individuals and people with disabilities so they can be independent and know they can do anything they set their mind to.
I worked with adults and kids with developmental disabilities while attending college in Buffalo, NY. This motivated me to start Tijani’s Idris Foundation in Nigeria to help people in the community. I saw a need for help and wanted to provide a positive change in Nigeria for individuals with disabilities.