In a renewed drive to promote disability inclusion and equitable access to health and social services across Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has announced a strengthened partnership with RedAid Nigeria, a humanitarian organization known for its tireless work in addressing health inequities and supporting vulnerable populations.
This development followed a high-level courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of RedAid Nigeria, Dr. Daniel Egbule, and his team to the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja. The engagement was marked by a shared commitment to deepening collaboration on advocacy, awareness, and service delivery for persons with disabilities—particularly those affected by leprosy, tuberculosis (TB), and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Strengthening Ties for a Common Cause
Welcoming the RedAid delegation, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, expressed appreciation for the organization’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian service and social inclusion. He described the renewed partnership as a significant stride towards achieving health equity and sustainable inclusion for all Nigerians living with disabilities.
“We are delighted to receive RedAid Nigeria and explore areas of collaboration to strengthen our collective impact,” Hon. Gufwan said. “This partnership is a step in the right direction toward promoting inclusion, health equity, and dignity for all persons with disabilities. Strategic partnerships like this drive sustainable change and ensure no one is left behind.”
Hon. Gufwan noted that the Commission is determined to continue building bridges with like-minded organizations that share its vision of an inclusive Nigeria—one where persons with disabilities are not sidelined in policy, healthcare, or social development programs.
Key Focus Areas of Collaboration
The meeting served as a platform for both institutions to identify and outline key areas of mutual interest, including:
- Enhancing access to quality healthcare for persons with disabilities, especially those affected by leprosy, TB, and other neglected tropical diseases.
- Raising public awareness to combat stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions surrounding disability and chronic health conditions.
- Training and capacity building for healthcare professionals to deliver inclusive, respectful, and accessible services.
- Strengthening community-based outreach programs to reach underserved areas through joint interventions and advocacy efforts.
The discussions also centered on establishing a structured framework for collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will formalize the partnership and pave the way for joint advocacy, program implementation, and inclusive policy formulation.
RedAid’s Commitment to Inclusion and Dignity
In his remarks, Dr. Daniel Egbule, CEO of RedAid Nigeria, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering dedication to promoting the health and rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“Our mission is to walk the talk—to ensure that inclusion is not just a concept but a lived reality for all,” Dr. Egbule emphasized. “We believe that through partnerships like this, we can promote social inclusion, strengthen health systems, and ensure that persons with disabilities have access to the services they deserve.”
Dr. Egbule explained that RedAid Nigeria, a sister organization of the German Leprosy and TB Relief Association (GLRA), has consistently worked to bridge the gaps in healthcare delivery, particularly for individuals affected by disabilities and neglected tropical diseases. He highlighted that the organization’s collaboration with NCPWD aligns perfectly with its mission to improve the quality of life for marginalized populations through advocacy, empowerment, and inclusive health interventions.
A Vision for an Inclusive Nigeria
As both institutions agreed to pursue an MoU, Hon. Gufwan reaffirmed NCPWD’s determination to continue fostering partnerships with development organizations and stakeholders committed to advancing disability rights and inclusion.
“Today’s meeting reaffirms our shared resolve to build a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of disability, has equal access to opportunities, services, and dignity,” he said.
He added that the partnership underscores Nigeria’s commitment to international frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasize inclusion, health equity, and the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
A Step Toward Sustainable Impact
The courtesy visit not only deepened institutional ties but also set the tone for future collaborations that will address systemic barriers faced by persons with disabilities in healthcare and social participation. Stakeholders present described the engagement as “timely, strategic, and inspiring,” noting that it represents a practical approach to translating policies into tangible outcomes for those most in need.
As Nigeria continues to pursue disability-inclusive development, partnerships such as that between NCPWD and RedAid Nigeria will remain pivotal in ensuring that health, dignity, and equality are not privileges—but rights enjoyed by all.
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