ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a historic meeting today, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) reaffirmed its dedication to the upliftment and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria. The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, warmly welcomed the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Abba Isa, during an official visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
In his address to the delegation, Chief Gufwan expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to the PWD community. He acknowledged the President’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria, noting that it represents a significant shift in the nation’s approach to disability matters.
“The years of clamour for intervention into disability matters have gained considerable attention,” Chief Gufwan remarked. “The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is a prayer answered, and we must do everything humanly possible to sustain the inclusivity that we now enjoy from the Presidency. This is truly a moment of renewed hope for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.”
Chief Gufwan’s words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring the importance of the Commission’s work in ensuring that PWDs are not left behind in the nation’s development agenda. He emphasized that the current administration’s focus on inclusivity is a testament to its commitment to eradicating poverty and deprivation among PWDs.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted the numerous opportunities available for PWDs in Nigeria, stressing that achieving the community’s aspirations requires collective effort and unwavering dedication.
“Opportunities abound for Persons With Disabilities, but it takes all hands to be on deck to attain the enviable heights that the community aspires to,” he stated. “My appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Commission is an added assurance by Mr. President to the community of persons with disabilities that their well-being is guaranteed.”
The meeting also served as a platform for the Executive Secretary to outline the Commission’s future plans. These include expanding access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for PWDs, as well as advocating for more inclusive policies at both the federal and state levels.
In his remarks, Hon. Abba Isa congratulated Chief Gufwan on his appointment and praised the Commission’s efforts in advocating for the rights and welfare of PWDs. He reiterated the need for close collaboration between his office and the Commission to ensure that the voices of PWDs are heard and their needs addressed.
“Working closely with the Commission is essential to achieving meaningful productivity from the generality of persons with disabilities,” Hon. Isa noted. “This collaboration will pave the way for the full integration of PWDs into all aspects of national life, ensuring that they contribute to and benefit from Nigeria’s development.”
Hon. Isa’s visit to the NCPWD marks a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the Presidency and the Commission, with both parties committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of PWDs across the country.
The meeting was attended by other notable dignitaries, including Mrs. A.A. Oguntade, Director of Human Resource Management at the NCPWD, and Barrister Yusuf Iyodo, Chief of Staff to the Senior Special Assistant to the President. Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion and the shared commitment to the cause of PWDs.
As the meeting drew to a close, Chief Gufwan reaffirmed his resolve to ensure that the NCPWD continues to be a beacon of hope for PWDs in Nigeria. He called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to join hands with the Commission in its mission to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
“This is a collective journey,” Chief Gufwan concluded. “With the support of all stakeholders, we can achieve our vision of a Nigeria where persons with disabilities are not just included but are active participants in the nation’s progress.”
The day’s events mark a renewed chapter in the struggle for the rights of PWDs in Nigeria, as the Commission, under Chief Gufwan’s leadership, works tirelessly to translate the promises of inclusivity into tangible, life-changing outcomes for millions of Nigerians with disabilities.
