In a major step toward advancing disability inclusion and improving the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has officially established its Southwest Zonal Office in Oyo State. This milestone further reinforces the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that PWDs have equal access to opportunities, services, and representation across all levels of governance.
The announcement was made during a landmark event at the Rehabilitation Centre in Moniya, Ibadan, where the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, alongside a delegation of top Directors, formally received the office building from the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Seyi Makinde. The momentous occasion was marked by a strong sense of partnership between the federal and state governments in promoting inclusivity and providing a better future for PWDs in the region.
A Milestone for Disability Inclusion in Nigeria
Hon. Ayuba Gufwan expressed deep gratitude to Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Government for their unwavering dedication to the rights and welfare of PWDs. He described the establishment of the zonal office as a significant step toward creating a more inclusive society where no individual is left behind.
“The establishment of zonal offices across the six geopolitical zones will help us serve all PWDs more effectively, ensuring that Nigeria becomes a truly inclusive nation where everyone, regardless of their disability, has the opportunity to thrive,” Gufwan stated.
The initiative aligns with the Commission’s broader strategy to decentralize its operations, making its services more accessible to the grassroots. By establishing regional offices, the NCPWD aims to enhance policy implementation, facilitate better coordination with state governments, and ensure that PWDs across the country can benefit from disability-inclusive programs and policies.
Oyo State’s Commitment to Disability Inclusion
Representing Governor Makinde at the event, the Director General of the Oyo State Agency of Persons with Disabilities, Barrister Adekanmbi Ayodele, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the full integration of PWDs into all aspects of governance. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the administration to ensure the implementation of the 5% job reservation policy for PWDs across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the Disability Act.
“Our administration has been a strong advocate for the rights of PWDs, ensuring that they are not just included in governance but are also given the necessary support to thrive,” Ayodele stated. “Through my office, I am committed to ensuring that all disability clusters are fully represented in government affairs and that no one is left behind.”
His remarks underscored Oyo State’s progressive approach to disability inclusion, further demonstrated by the provision of the zonal office space and continued collaboration with the NCPWD to improve the lives of PWDs in the state.
Formalizing the Partnership: MOU Signing Between NCPWD and Oyo State
A key highlight of the event was the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NCPWD and the Oyo State Agency of Persons with Disabilities. The agreement, signed by Hon. Gufwan and Barrister Ayodele, lays the foundation for a stronger partnership aimed at advancing disability inclusion initiatives in Oyo State and beyond.
The MOU outlines areas of collaboration, including capacity building, policy implementation, and the execution of projects designed to enhance the economic and social well-being of PWDs. This agreement is expected to pave the way for more sustainable interventions that will address the challenges faced by PWDs in accessing employment, education, healthcare, and other essential services.
A Gathering of Disability Rights Advocates and Stakeholders
The ceremony was attended by an array of high-profile stakeholders, including top management staff of the NCPWD, Executive Secretaries of disability commissions from all the Southwest states, representatives of various disability clusters in Oyo State, senior government officials, and advocacy groups passionate about disability rights and inclusion.
Their presence at the event underscored the collective effort required to drive meaningful change in the disability sector. The establishment of the Southwest Zonal Office is not just a victory for Oyo State but a win for all PWDs in the region, as it signals a stronger institutional framework to address their concerns.
A Step Toward a More Inclusive Future
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Oguntade A., the Human Resource Manager of NCPWD, commended the Executive Secretary for his relentless efforts in ensuring the establishment of zonal offices across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. She also lauded the Oyo State government for making office space available for the Southwest Zonal Office.
“This is indeed a great achievement, and we thank Almighty Allah for the progress we have made so far. We look forward to making a lasting impact in the lives of PWDs across the country,” she remarked.
The establishment of the Southwest Zonal Office represents a major leap forward in the fight for disability inclusion in Nigeria. With strengthened partnerships, increased accessibility to government support, and a more coordinated approach to addressing the challenges faced by PWDs, the NCPWD is steadily making strides toward a future where disability rights are upheld, and inclusivity is not just an aspiration but a reality.
