Lagos, Nigeria – March 5, 2025 – In a bold appeal for greater inclusion and empowerment, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has formally called on telecommunications giant MTN to join its mission of transforming the lives of millions of Nigerians with disabilities. The commission is urging MTN to support initiatives aimed at providing vital mobility aids and educational scholarships to persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the country.
During a strategic visit to MTN’s headquarters in Lagos, NCPWD Executive Secretary Hon. Ayuba Gufwan passionately underscored the indispensable role of mobility in unlocking opportunities for PWDs. “Seek ye first mobility, and every other thing shall be added unto you. Mobility is the foundation of independence for persons with disabilities. Without it, access to education, employment, and economic opportunities remains a challenge,” he declared. His remarks resonated strongly, framing mobility not just as a physical need, but as a crucial stepping stone towards self-reliance and dignity.
Addressing Funding Gaps and the Need for Collaborative Action
Despite MTN’s long-standing commitment to supporting the disabled community, Hon. Gufwan expressed concern over the limited budgetary allocations available to NCPWD. With over 35.5 million PWDs in Nigeria, the commission’s resources are stretched thin, hindering its ability to reach every individual in need. He urged corporate organizations and other stakeholders to form robust partnerships with NCPWD to bridge this funding gap and extend the reach of inclusive programs nationwide.
The Executive Secretary lauded MTN’s past efforts, particularly its initiatives to ensure that its buildings and infrastructure are accessible. However, he emphasized that more comprehensive support, including sponsorships and the provision of mobility aids, is essential for empowering PWDs to fully participate in Nigeria’s economic and social life.
MTN’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
In response to the commission’s call, MTN’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Mrs. Esther Akinnukawe, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She detailed MTN’s strategic focus on four core pillars of inclusivity—gender balance, support for persons with disabilities, age representation, and ethnic representation. Mrs. Akinnukawe highlighted MTN’s partnership with Sightsavers, through which the company has been instrumental in training PWDs at the IT Bridge Academy. This initiative equips participants with digital and employability skills, underscoring MTN’s proactive role in fostering a disability-friendly environment.
“Our commitment goes beyond rhetoric,” Mrs. Akinnukawe said. “We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations and exploring further opportunities to sponsor mobility aids that can make a real difference in the lives of PWDs across Nigeria.”
Vision for a National Support System
Adding depth to the discussion, Dr. Adebayo Adebukola, Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, stressed the critical need for establishing a national database to catalog PWDs in all 774 local government areas. According to Dr. Adebukola, such a comprehensive database would be instrumental in coordinating support programs, including career fairs, employment placements, and various social welfare initiatives tailored for the disabled community.
“The creation of a national database is a game-changer,” he explained. “It will enable us to strategically target support where it is needed most and ensure that no person with a disability is left behind.”
A Shared Commitment to an Inclusive Future
The emerging partnership between NCPWD and MTN represents more than just corporate philanthropy—it is a shared commitment to building a more inclusive Nigerian society. By focusing on mobility, education, and economic empowerment, both organizations aim to dismantle the barriers that have long hindered PWDs from realizing their full potential.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of ensuring equality and inclusion in all sectors of society, the collaborative efforts between NCPWD and MTN signal a promising step forward. The initiatives set forth in this partnership not only promise to enhance the quality of life for millions of Nigerians with disabilities but also set a powerful precedent for how public and private sectors can work together to drive sustainable social change.
