In a remarkable demonstration of partnership, compassion, and commitment to inclusion, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center (Beautiful Gate Foundation), has joined forces with the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, to distribute thousands of tricycles and assistive devices to persons with disabilities in Otukpo, Benue State.
The grand empowerment event, held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, brought together key dignitaries, community leaders, representatives of disability organizations, and hundreds of joyous beneficiaries who converged on Otukpo to witness what many described as a “life-changing intervention.”
A Landmark Moment for Disability Inclusion in Benue
The atmosphere in Otukpo was electric — filled with songs, laughter, and tears of gratitude — as beneficiaries, many of whom had traveled long distances from rural parts of the state, received their brand-new tricycles, wheelchairs, and mobility aids. The devices, distributed through the collaboration of NCPWD, Beautiful Gate Foundation, and Senator Abba Moro, symbolize more than mobility; they represent freedom, dignity, and opportunity for many Nigerians with disabilities.
For years, mobility challenges have hindered access to education, employment, and social participation for persons with disabilities, particularly in rural communities. The latest intervention is, therefore, a major boost to the ongoing drive toward achieving inclusive development and equal opportunity in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
NCPWD Reaffirms Commitment to Disability Empowerment
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, expressed deep satisfaction with the impact of the program and reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
“For us as a Commission, we are delighted to put smiles on the faces of persons with disabilities, which is one of our core mandates,” he said. “Our goal is to create an enabling environment where all persons with disabilities can thrive in every aspect of life.”
Hon. Gufwan, who is himself a person with a disability and a renowned advocate for disability rights, highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing the inclusion agenda. He commended the Beautiful Gate Foundation and Senator Abba Moro for their shared commitment to social justice and equal participation, noting that collective effort remains key to building an inclusive Nigeria where no one is left behind.
Senator Abba Moro: “The Dividends of Democracy Must Reach Everyone”
In his goodwill message, Senator Abba Moro, who hosted the event in his senatorial district, lauded the NCPWD and the Beautiful Gate Foundation for their tireless work in empowering Nigerians with disabilities. He emphasized that his collaboration with the two institutions is driven by his belief that the dividends of democracy must be accessible to all, including marginalized and vulnerable groups.
“I must commend the effort put in place so far. Your generosity will go a long way in impacting the lives of persons with disabilities in my region,” he said. “As Minority Leader of the Senate, I will continue to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach everyone, without discrimination.”
The Senator further assured that the National Assembly remains committed to supporting legislation and policies that promote equality, accessibility, and social justice for all Nigerians. He urged more lawmakers and public institutions to emulate the NCPWD’s example by incorporating disability inclusion in their constituency projects and development plans.
Beautiful Gate Foundation: A Decade of Transforming Lives
The Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, a Jos-based non-governmental organization, has earned nationwide recognition for its humanitarian interventions focused on persons with disabilities. Over the past decade, the foundation has distributed thousands of tricycles, wheelchairs, and mobility aids across Nigeria, often partnering with influential leaders, corporate organizations, and government agencies.
Representatives of the Foundation at the event reiterated their commitment to working closely with the NCPWD and other partners to ensure that assistive devices reach even the most remote communities.
“We are driven by a simple belief — that mobility is not a privilege but a right. Every person with a disability deserves the means to move, work, and live independently,” said one of the Foundation’s directors during the ceremony.
Beneficiaries Share Stories of Hope and Gratitude
Tears of joy flowed freely as several beneficiaries shared their personal stories. Many spoke about years of isolation and economic hardship caused by lack of mobility, and how receiving a tricycle or wheelchair would transform their lives.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Joy Ene, a widow from Ogbadibo Local Government Area, expressed heartfelt appreciation:
“For years, I depended on my son to carry me around. Today, I feel independent. God bless Senator Abba Moro, NCPWD, and Beautiful Gate Foundation for remembering people like me.”
Another recipient, Mr. Emmanuel Onah, a student living with mobility impairment, said the tricycle would enable him to attend school regularly and even earn an income by offering local transportation services.
“This is not just an assistive device — it is a tool for survival and empowerment,” he said, beaming with excitement.
A Call for Sustained Partnership and Policy Implementation
Observers at the event noted that such collaborations between government agencies, lawmakers, and non-governmental organizations represent a practical model for achieving sustainable inclusion. They called for increased funding, policy implementation, and regular monitoring to ensure that assistive devices and empowerment programs reach their intended beneficiaries.
The NCPWD, established by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, continues to serve as Nigeria’s foremost agency for promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Under the leadership of Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, the Commission has launched several national initiatives to enhance accessibility, education, economic empowerment, and political participation for persons with disabilities.
Building a More Inclusive Nigeria
The distribution of thousands of assistive devices in Otukpo stands as another major step in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusion and equality. Beyond the joy and gratitude expressed by beneficiaries, the initiative reflects the power of collaboration between government institutions, civil society, and political leaders in addressing systemic barriers that have long hindered the full participation of persons with disabilities in national life.
As the tricycles rolled out of the distribution ground and beneficiaries rode home with smiles, the message was clear: inclusion is not a favor — it is a right. And when society embraces that truth, everyone moves forward together.
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