— Gufwan calls for collective action to break barriers of discrimination and exclusion
In a renewed drive toward advancing inclusive education and eliminating barriers faced by persons with disabilities, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has pledged to collaborate with Empowering Abilities Through Inclusive Pages (EATIP) — an initiative of the YieldUp Development Initiative (YDI) — to promote inclusivity and educational accessibility for children and young adults with disabilities across Nigeria.
The partnership was sealed on Thursday, October 16, 2025, when delegates from EATIP, led by disability advocate and Executive Director of YieldUp Development Initiative, Praise Akobo, paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The meeting centered on strengthening efforts to ensure that children and youths with disabilities have access to inclusive educational resources, assistive materials, and platforms that empower them to thrive.
The Empowering Abilities Through Inclusive Pages (EATIP) project is supported by the Youth Empowerment Fund (YEF), in collaboration with the School for the Blind and Zamarr Institute, Jabi, Abuja. The initiative seeks to promote inclusive reading, creativity, and access to learning materials for children with disabilities, particularly those in underserved schools and communities.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, commended the efforts of the organization, describing their initiative as timely, transformative, and aligned with the Commission’s mandate to advance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
“The task of pulling members of the disability community out of the shackles of deprivation, marginalization, discrimination, and stigmatization is a collective responsibility. With over 35.5 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria, this is not a task for the Commission alone but one that requires the active involvement and support of every Nigerian,” Gufwan said.
He praised the YieldUp Development Initiative’s commitment to education and inclusion, particularly in providing Braille books, mobility aids, and assistive devices for children with disabilities, noting that such interventions address the very heart of the challenges confronting the disability community.
YieldUp Development Initiative, under the leadership of Praise Akobo, has been at the forefront of bridging the gaps in discrimination and illiteracy through a multi-dimensional approach built on Education, Creativity, Advocacy, Technology, and Therapy (ECAT). The organization’s efforts are focused on improving accessibility and inclusion for children with disabilities while combating stigma and exclusion in schools — issues that persist despite Nigeria’s Inclusive Education Policy and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.
According to Akobo, the organization is currently introducing a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — a flexible learning framework that accommodates diverse learning needs and disabilities. The initiative, already yielding success in Benue State, is set to be replicated in Abuja to expand its impact on special needs education and teacher training.
Part of the discussions during the visit included plans for the launch of a new book titled “Awakening Possibilities in Disabilities”, which the group intends to publish upon the Commission’s approval. The book, designed to promote awareness and positive representation of persons with disabilities, will also be produced in Braille format to ensure accessibility for visually impaired readers.
To achieve this, the organization sought technical support from NCPWD, particularly in the provision of assistive devices and the printing of Braille copies of the book.
Responding, Hon. Gufwan assured the delegation of the Commission’s readiness to provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure that their laudable objectives are realized.
“We deeply appreciate your commitment and dedication to the disability cause. The Commission stands ready to collaborate with you to achieve the shared vision of empowering abilities and promoting inclusivity for all,” he stated.
He further called on all Nigerians — across professions, institutions, and communities — to join hands in building an inclusive nation that celebrates diversity and leaves no one behind.
“Let us make Nigeria the most inclusive country in the world. Every child, regardless of disability, deserves to learn, dream, and succeed,” Gufwan added.
The high point of the visit was the presentation of the document ‘Abilities Through Inclusive Pages’ to the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD by the EATIP delegation, symbolizing a shared commitment to advancing disability inclusion through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
The partnership between NCPWD and EATIP underscores a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive education as a cornerstone for empowerment and equality. As the Commission continues to champion initiatives that remove barriers to learning and participation, collaborations such as this are expected to strengthen the bridge toward a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria.
