ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with disability-focused organisations, pledging technical support and collaboration to Sauri Growth Initiatives for Women and Youth with Disabilities in advancing programmes that promote empowerment, inclusion, and equal opportunities for women and young persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
The assurance was given by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, when he received the Founder of Sauri Growth Initiatives for Women and Youth with Disabilities, Miss Comfort Ekwo, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting focused on fostering strategic collaboration aimed at expanding opportunities for women and youth with disabilities through inclusive programmes, capacity building, advocacy, and sustainable development initiatives.
Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Gufwan reiterated the Commission’s readiness to partner with credible organisations whose missions align with the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities in every sector of national life.
He emphasized that the Commission remains committed to building strong partnerships that will accelerate disability-inclusive development, eliminate barriers to participation, and create opportunities for persons with disabilities to thrive.
According to him, collaboration with organisations that share the Commission’s vision is essential to achieving lasting progress in disability inclusion.
“The Commission is willing to provide technical support and explore areas of partnership that will improve the lives of women and youth with disabilities across the country,” Hon. Gufwan stated.
The Executive Secretary also commended Miss Comfort Ekwo for her unwavering passion, dedication, and commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. He encouraged the organisation to remain focused on its advocacy and empowerment initiatives, noting that collective efforts remain the most effective approach to achieving an inclusive society.
Earlier in her remarks, the Founder of Sauri Growth Initiatives for Women and Youth with Disabilities, Miss Comfort Ekwo, said the visit was aimed at establishing a strategic partnership with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to enhance disability inclusion across Nigeria.
She praised the Commission for its consistent efforts in promoting inclusive policies, protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, and creating opportunities that improve their quality of life.
Miss Ekwo reaffirmed her organisation’s commitment to working closely with the Commission to implement impactful programmes that address the unique challenges faced by women and youth with disabilities.
She outlined the key objectives of the visit, which include strengthening institutional collaboration between Sauri Growth Initiatives and the Commission, securing technical support for disability-inclusive programmes, and appreciating the Commission’s leadership in championing disability rights and inclusion nationwide.
According to her, a strong partnership with the Commission will provide greater opportunities to develop innovative programmes that empower women and young persons with disabilities through education, skills development, leadership, economic empowerment, and advocacy.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and disability-led organisations in addressing the social and economic barriers confronting persons with disabilities.
Both parties acknowledged that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the meaningful inclusion and active participation of persons with disabilities, particularly women and young people who often face multiple forms of discrimination.
The meeting concluded with both the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and Sauri Growth Initiatives reaffirming their shared commitment to building a strong and sustainable partnership that will promote disability inclusion, protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and expand access to opportunities for women and youth with disabilities across Nigeria.
The renewed partnership is expected to strengthen advocacy efforts, improve programme implementation, and contribute significantly to the realization of an inclusive society where no person with a disability is left behind.
