In a significant display of national pride and commitment to advancing the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Ayuba Gufwan, has assured Dr. Chris Nwanoro, Nigeria’s newly elected representative to the United Nations (UN) Committee on Disabilities, of the Commission’s unwavering support.
The pledge was made during a formal reception for Dr. Nwanoro at the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja, where Chief Gufwan lauded the representative for his dedication and achievements in the field of disability advocacy, both locally and globally. He noted that Dr. Nwanoro’s appointment to the prestigious UN committee has shone a positive light on Nigeria, further solidifying the country’s role as a leader in disability inclusion efforts in Africa and beyond.
A Champion for Persons with Disabilities
In his address to the delegation, Chief Gufwan expressed immense pride in the appointment of Dr. Nwanoro, emphasizing how his wealth of experience and dedication to advocating for the rights of PWDs will undoubtedly make an impact at the global stage.
“We are proud of your achievements and wealth of experience, and strongly believe that it will be replicated at the global stage,” Gufwan said. He added that Nigeria’s large population of over 35 million persons with disabilities is home to incredible human capital, with many making strides in various spheres of life.
The Executive Secretary reiterated the NCPWD’s readiness to collaborate with Dr. Nwanoro and leverage the opportunity his position presents to further establish Nigeria’s leadership in disability inclusion across Africa.
Partnership for Progress
The meeting was not just a moment to celebrate Dr. Nwanorom’s achievement, but also to solidify plans for collaboration between the NCPWD and the UN representative. Dr. Nwanoro, in his remarks, congratulated Chief Gufwan on his appointment as the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD and expressed his enthusiasm to work closely with the Commission in addressing the needs of PWDs in Nigeria.
Highlighting the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Dr. Nwanoro emphasized that the UN’s focus on disability rights is anchored on protection, inclusion, and empowerment. He described the UN Committee on Disabilities as a body of experts from around the world who work collaboratively to advocate for and protect the rights of PWDs across the globe.
“At the UN, we believe in partnership because coming together makes us achieve greater productivity,” Nwanoro said. He also underscored the critical role that partnerships play in fostering innovation and ensuring that the rights of PWDs are prioritized on a global scale.
Focus on Technology and the Future
One of the major areas of concern discussed during the meeting was the application of technology for the empowerment of PWDs. Dr. Nwanoro informed the delegation that the UN is working toward ensuring that by 2025, there will be significant advancements in the use of technology to aid persons with disabilities. He noted that technology has the potential to bridge the gap for PWDs, especially in terms of education, employment, and access to essential services.
In his speech, Nwanoro emphasized that the UN is particularly concerned about addressing the unique challenges faced by PWDs in developing countries like Nigeria. He said that with the right technological tools and support systems, PWDs can unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
National Commission to Participate in Global Advocacy
Dr. Nwanoro also revealed that the United Nations is anticipating a nomination from the NCPWD to form a Technical Working Group. This group will work in collaboration with the Commission and other Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Nigeria to periodically review and address pressing concerns related to disability rights and inclusion.
In his words, “The UN is expecting the nomination from the NCPWD to form the Technical Working Group that will interface with the Commission and other OPDs periodically.” This group will ensure that the voices of PWDs in Nigeria are heard on the global stage and that their needs are addressed in international policy-making forums.
Additionally, Dr. Nwanoro requested the support of the National Commission in organizing a world press conference to highlight the critical issues facing PWDs in Nigeria. He emphasized that such a platform would provide an opportunity to raise awareness on the international level and galvanize support for disability rights initiatives within the country.
A Commitment to Championing Disability Rights
Chief Gufwan, in response, pledged the NCPWD’s total support for Dr. Nwanoro’s endeavors at the UN. He expressed optimism that the collaboration between the Commission and the UN representative would yield fruitful results that would benefit not only the PWD community in Nigeria but also enhance the country’s standing as a champion for disability rights globally.
The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria continues to play a leading role in advocating for the rights of PWDs. He pointed out that the challenges faced by the disability community are vast, but with the combined efforts of local and international stakeholders, significant progress can be made.
“We must continue to raise the bar in terms of inclusion and representation,” Gufwan said. “With all hands on deck, Nigeria will set a strong example for other countries on how to prioritize and uplift Persons with Disabilities.”
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Disability Advocacy
The meeting between Chief Gufwan and Dr. Nwanorom signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s disability rights movement. With the support of the NCPWD, and under the guidance of international frameworks like the UNCRPD, there is a clear path forward toward greater inclusion, representation, and empowerment for PWDs in Nigeria.
As the country’s representative on the UN Committee for Disabilities, Dr. Nwanoro’s role will be instrumental in amplifying Nigeria’s voice on the global stage and ensuring that the concerns of its PWD population are addressed in international policies and programs. The collaboration between the NCPWD and the UN presents a powerful opportunity to drive meaningful change for millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.
With the commitment and dedication of leaders like Chief Gufwan and Dr. Nwanoro, the future looks bright for disability advocacy in Nigeria.
