The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in strategic collaboration with the Peace for Humanity Foundation, has taken a bold step toward economic empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with the inauguration of a Local Organising Committee (LOC) to drive the establishment of specialized “Farm Cities” across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
The groundbreaking event, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, was themed “Breaking New Grounds for the Neglects” — a powerful declaration of intent to move beyond rhetoric and into tangible, large-scale action.
From Conversation to Concrete Action
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described the moment as a defining shift from advocacy-based dialogue to strategic implementation.
According to him, the initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and socio-economic well-being of Persons with Disabilities.
“This marks a turning point. With the right environment and support, Persons with Disabilities are not just beneficiaries of development — they are contributors to national growth,” he said.
Gufwan further applauded the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the administration has strengthened disability inclusion frameworks and expanded opportunities for visibility, participation, and hope among PWDs nationwide.
He also commended the Peace for Humanity Foundation for conceiving and championing the Farm Cities initiative, stressing that inclusion must be seen not as charity, but as justice, development, and smart economics.
Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Minister of Budget and Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, described the project as consistent with the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” aimed at reducing poverty and promoting inclusive economic participation.
Bagudu pledged ministerial support for the project, noting that empowering PWDs through structured agricultural and technical development hubs would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s productivity base while addressing inequality.
A N70 Billion Vision for National Empowerment
Providing details of the project, the Executive Director of Peace for Humanity Foundation, Mr. Godwin Thompson Udo, revealed that the nationwide rollout of the Farm Cities initiative would require an estimated N70 billion.
He explained that the Foundation’s mission is to touch lives, build capacity, and empower humanity — and that the Farm Cities project represents a practical pathway to achieving sustainable livelihoods for Persons with Disabilities.
The proposed Farm Cities will integrate diverse economic activities including:
- Mechanized farming
- Poultry, fish, snail, and snake farming
- Crop production (vegetables, cereals, yam, cassava, potatoes, cocoyam)
- ICT hubs
- Automobile and motorcycle engineering workshops
- Sports development
- Craft production
The multi-sectoral approach, stakeholders say, is designed to create self-sustaining ecosystems that combine agriculture, technology, entrepreneurship, and skill acquisition under one inclusive model.
Broad Stakeholder Buy-In
The event drew stakeholders from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), alongside Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), signaling broad-based institutional and community support.
The inauguration of the Local Organising Committee — comprising representatives from MDAs and disability organizations — was the highlight of the event. The committee is tasked with mobilizing resources, coordinating partnerships, and ensuring strategic implementation of the project across all geo-political zones.
The National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mallam Abdullahi Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the Commission and project promoters for what he described as an innovative and transformative initiative.
He assured stakeholders of JONAPWD’s unwavering commitment to grassroots advocacy and mobilization to ensure that the benefits reach communities across Nigeria.
A Collective Commitment
Stakeholders also extended appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for approving the project and providing policy backing.
In his vote of thanks, the Director of Social Integration at NCPWD, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, urged members of the LOC to deploy their experience and expertise diligently to guarantee the project’s success.
As discussions ended and the newly inaugurated committee members posed for photographs, the mood in the hall reflected cautious optimism — a recognition that while the N70 billion vision is ambitious, its successful implementation could redefine economic empowerment for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
For many attendees, this was more than an inauguration. It was the planting of a seed — one that, if nurtured carefully, could yield sustainable inclusion, dignity, and independence for millions of Nigerians with disabilities.
Click the link below to join our WhatsApp channel
