…Assures of Ongoing Efforts to Establish FCT Disability Agency
In a stirring call for solidarity and renewed purpose, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, has urged the leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) to embrace unity and speak with one voice in the collective struggle for the inclusion, empowerment, and dignity of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
Hon. Ayuba made this charge on Thursday, October 9, 2025, when the leadership of JONAPWD, Abuja Chapter, led by its Acting Chairman, Mr. Ayoade Beyioku-Alase, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The visit, which was marked by a spirit of collaboration and optimism, provided an opportunity for open dialogue on how both institutions can further advance disability inclusion, strengthen advocacy, and ensure that no person with disability is left behind in Nigeria’s development agenda.
Unity as the Bedrock of Progress
In his address, the Executive Secretary emphasized that unity remains the greatest strength of the disability community, stressing that progress and recognition can only be achieved when the various disability clusters speak and act in unison.
“With a population of over 3.5 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria, unity gives you the power to decide who becomes the President, the governor, or even a local government chairman,” Hon. Ayuba said passionately. “Persons with disabilities are not beggars. You deserve respect, dignity, and equal opportunity—and that can only be achieved when you speak with one voice.”
He reminded the association’s leaders that leadership is a call to service, not a platform for personal gain, urging them to see their roles as opportunities to build trust, inspire collaboration, and strengthen advocacy across disability groups.
NCPWD’s Commitment to Inclusion and Institutional Strengthening
Hon. Ayuba reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to supporting JONAPWD and the broader disability community. He revealed that one of the Commission’s top priorities is the creation of the FCT Agency for Persons with Disabilities, an initiative that aims to provide specialized services, policy coordination, and sustainable support to the growing population of persons with disabilities within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, engagements with relevant stakeholders are already ongoing to ensure that the agency becomes a reality soon, positioning Abuja as a model of disability-inclusive governance in Nigeria.
“We are not relenting in our efforts,” he said. “The creation of the FCT Disability Agency is not just a demand—it is a necessity. It will serve as a platform for empowerment, accessibility, and development for thousands of persons with disabilities in the FCT.”
He further commended the consistency and cooperation of JONAPWD’s leadership, urging them to remain inclusive and transparent in their operations. Hon. Ayuba noted that the Commission would continue to support initiatives that promote education, economic empowerment, accessibility, and full participation of persons with disabilities in all sectors of society.
JONAPWD Commends NCPWD’s Support
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Ayoade Beyioku-Alase, the Acting Chairman of JONAPWD FCT Chapter, expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Secretary and the entire NCPWD management for their consistent partnership and support. He particularly commended the Commission for the recent provision of farm equipment and fertilizers to members of JONAPWD in the FCT—an initiative he described as both timely and impactful in improving the livelihoods of persons with disabilities.
Mr. Ayoade also presented key demands on behalf of the association, including the establishment of the FCT Disability Agency, financial subvention, recognition of the FCT JONAPWD Secretariat, office support, and enhanced accessibility infrastructure to enable the association function more effectively.
“We are confident that under your visionary leadership, the Commission will continue to stand with us in promoting the rights, welfare, and empowerment of persons with disabilities,” Ayoade said. “The support you’ve shown gives us hope that our voices are being heard at the highest levels.”
NCPWD Directors Reaffirm Support and Partnership
In his goodwill message, the Director of Social Integration, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia Edelifo, reaffirmed that the Commission has always stood by JONAPWD and will continue to provide the necessary institutional and technical support to enhance their advocacy and inclusion efforts.
Also speaking, Dr. Ogunbiyitan Kehinde, Head of Educational Services at the Commission, encouraged JONAPWD to expand its engagement to rural and underserved communities within the FCT, where many persons with disabilities still face isolation and lack access to essential services.
The delegation further appealed to the Executive Secretary to engage the FCT Minister on the inclusion of accessible vehicles in the ongoing FCT transportation scheme—an intervention they believe will greatly enhance mobility and independence for persons with disabilities.
A Renewed Partnership for Inclusion
The interactive session ended on a warm and hopeful note, with both parties pledging to work more closely to advance the disability inclusion agenda in the FCT and across Nigeria. The meeting underscored the shared vision of the NCPWD and JONAPWD—to build an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity.
Those who joined the Executive Secretary to receive the delegation included Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam, Director of Enforcement and Compliance; Mr. Bitrus Sule, Director of Accessibility; Mr. Carl, Head of General Services; and Dr. Ogunbiyitan Kehinde, Head of Educational Services.
With such renewed synergy and commitment between the NCPWD and JONAPWD, the disability community in Nigeria can look forward to a future where unity, empowerment, and inclusion take center stage in the national development conversation.
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