Abuja, Nigeria – September 25, 2025
In what observers describe as a heartwarming blend of youthful passion and institutional commitment, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has joined forces with the Queen’s Dream Initiative (QDI) to strengthen the protection and promotion of the rights of children with disabilities in Nigeria.
The partnership was unveiled during a courtesy visit by representatives of QDI to the Commission in Abuja, signaling the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by children with disabilities.
A Dream Born at Nine, Now Blossoming at Eighteen
The Queen’s Dream Initiative carries an extraordinary origin story. It was founded by a girl who, at just nine years old, began speaking out for children with disabilities—an age when many of her peers were still preoccupied with childhood play. Today, she is an 18-year-old law student at the University of Ottawa, Canada, yet she remains deeply committed to the cause.
Her initiative has since grown into a beacon of hope, focusing on providing essential school supplies to children with disabilities, raising awareness of their rights, and building networks of support to ensure their full inclusion in society.
For the NCPWD, this kind of youthful leadership offers proof that advocacy for inclusion is not just a matter for policymakers and NGOs, but a responsibility for all generations.
Hon. Gufwan: “Great Things Begin From Humble Beginnings”
Speaking during the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, lauded the boldness and consistency of the Queen’s Dream Initiative.
“Great things begin from humble beginnings,” he remarked. “We pray that the Queen’s Dream Initiative will flourish and extend its impact across Nigeria and to the world.”
He emphasized that the initiative’s early successes serve as an inspiration for young people everywhere, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Hon. Gufwan also encouraged QDI to explore innovative sustainability models, pointing to organizations such as the Dash Me Foundation, which has successfully combined philanthropy with creative fundraising to sustain impactful social programs.
Voices of Resilience and Pride
The Commission commended the QDI founder not just for her passion, but for the resilience she has shown in pursuing a cause often neglected in mainstream discussions. Her mother, Mrs. Shade Ogundairo, expressed profound pride in her daughter’s achievements.
“She started this journey as a child, but today she has shown us that children’s dreams must be nurtured and protected. When supported, they can grow to impact lives far beyond what anyone imagines,” she said.
Her remarks underscored a broader message of the meeting: that society must encourage children and young people to pursue noble causes without discouragement or neglect.
Partnership for Inclusion and Equality
Both NCPWD and QDI pledged to work hand in hand in promoting education, inclusion, and equal opportunities for children with disabilities. The collaboration is expected to give rise to new programs that empower children with disabilities, strengthen support systems for their welfare, and broaden advocacy across the country.
The partnership also reflects NCPWD’s unwavering mandate to ensure that persons with disabilities in Nigeria enjoy equal access to opportunities, services, and protection under the law.
A Pathway to a More Inclusive Nigeria
This collaboration is more than a partnership—it is a statement of intent. It signals that the movement for disability inclusion in Nigeria is not only being driven from the top by institutions like the NCPWD, but also from the grassroots by passionate young advocates like the founder of QDI.
Observers say this synergy could create lasting change in how Nigeria views and treats children with disabilities. By combining the Commission’s national reach with QDI’s youthful energy and grassroots focus, both organizations are setting the stage for a future where disability is no longer a barrier to growth, education, or opportunity.
As the NCPWD and Queen’s Dream Initiative embark on this journey together, one thing is clear: the rights and dreams of children with disabilities are not just being spoken about—they are being actively defended, nurtured, and celebrated.
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