Abuja, Nigeria – October 18, 2024
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the welfare of injured soldiers and other war victims, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has initiated a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Military. This collaboration seeks to address the pressing need for assistive devices, particularly prosthetics, for military personnel who sustained life-altering injuries while defending the nation.
Chief Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, led the Commission’s management team in a high-level meeting with top military officials in Abuja. The discussions focused on a shared goal—establishing indigenous manufacturing of prosthetics and other vital assistive devices to cater to soldiers who have lost limbs or other body parts during combat missions. The partnership highlights a critical demand for locally produced assistive technology, which will not only empower war victims but also provide an avenue for long-term support and rehabilitation.
During the meeting, Gufwan expressed profound gratitude to the military for their relentless efforts in protecting Nigeria from insurgency, banditry, and various security threats. He lauded their sacrifices, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that those injured in the line of duty are provided with the necessary tools to regain their independence.
“I want to sincerely appreciate our gallant soldiers for committing their lives to securing the country from external aggression, banditry, and kidnappings in our land,” Gufwan remarked, highlighting the bravery and selflessness of the armed forces.
Responding to the NCPWD’s call for collaboration, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, expressed the military’s readiness to support the Commission’s initiative. General Musa acknowledged the specific needs of war veterans who have suffered physical disabilities, noting that many soldiers face life-changing injuries, including arm and limb loss, as a result of their service to the nation.
“I am aware of the status and needs of Persons with Disabilities, especially some of our soldiers who suffered arm loss, limb injuries, and others whose body parts have been amputated in the line of duty,” General Musa affirmed. He further disclosed that the Nigerian Military had already embarked on the local production of prosthetics in Minna, Niger State, to support these veterans and restore hope for a meaningful future.
The General revealed plans to expand these efforts by establishing additional rehabilitation centers in Abuja, which would increase the production capacity of prosthetic devices and meet the growing public demand. This expansion is seen as a pivotal step in enhancing the reach and accessibility of assistive devices for both military personnel and civilians alike.
In a key development, General Musa sought the expertise of the NCPWD to ensure that the prosthetics and other assistive devices produced meet the specific needs of the injured. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in designing customized solutions that align with the physical requirements of individuals with disabilities, particularly those who have undergone amputations or sustained injuries during combat.
The partnership between the NCPWD and the Nigerian Military is expected to create a transformative impact on the lives of disabled veterans, offering them not only physical rehabilitation but also emotional and psychological support. By producing assistive devices locally, the initiative aims to reduce dependency on costly imports and provide timely and affordable solutions for war victims.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to promote the well-being of Persons with Disabilities, particularly those who have paid the highest price for the safety and security of the nation. The commitment from both the NCPWD and the military underscores a shared vision of inclusivity, empowerment, and national resilience.
As the partnership moves forward, both institutions remain dedicated to ensuring that no soldier or civilian with disabilities is left behind in the quest for rehabilitation, reintegration, and a better quality of life.
