In a move that underscores a powerful commitment to advancing disability rights in Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, extended a warm welcome to a coalition of disability experts from Plateau State. The gathering, which took place on October 31, 2024, brought together key advocates and professionals in the field to strategize on collaborative efforts in data collection and development partnerships aimed at strengthening disability inclusion.
Chief Gufwan, a well-known advocate for disability rights who hails from Plateau State, expressed his pleasure at hosting this distinguished group of professionals from his home region. In a heartfelt address, he emphasized the critical role of data collection in shaping policies that are truly inclusive. Reflecting on his recent consultations with the National Population Commission, Chief Gufwan highlighted the importance of gathering accurate and disaggregated data on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across gender and disability clusters.
“Reliable data is the cornerstone of effective policy-making for the disability community,” Chief Gufwan stated. “Our mission of inclusivity is a collective struggle—a ‘we we’ mission.” He went on to stress that addressing the challenges faced by PWDs requires a unified approach that brings together government agencies, disability advocates, and development partners.
A central theme of Chief Gufwan’s message was the necessity of sustainable collaboration with development partners, particularly in funding initiatives tailored to meet the unique needs of the disability community. By fostering partnerships that support the commission’s agenda, Chief Gufwan believes Nigeria can make real strides toward inclusion. He called for long-term support from stakeholders to ensure that initiatives addressing disability rights are effective, impactful, and sustainable.
Among the delegation was Professor Patrick Sunday Dakum, CEO of the Institute of Virology, Nigeria, and a respected spokesperson for the disability community in Plateau State. Professor Dakum took a moment to commend Chief Gufwan’s longstanding commitment to advocacy, particularly his transformative work with the Beautiful Gate organization in Jos. The organization has made significant contributions in providing mobility aids and promoting social inclusion for persons with disabilities in Plateau State.
Professor Dakum also praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Chief Gufwan, remarking that Gufwan’s personal journey as a polio survivor positions him uniquely to lead the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. “We trust that Chief Gufwan’s tenure will usher in meaningful support for polio patients and all persons with disabilities,” Professor Dakum said, voicing the confidence of the Plateau State disability community in Chief Gufwan’s ability to lead with empathy, experience, and a clear understanding of the issues PWDs face daily.
This meeting marked a significant milestone in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to build an inclusive future for all Nigerians, one that is driven by accurate data, dedicated leadership, and robust partnerships. Attendees agreed that enhanced data practices are essential for understanding the needs of the disability community and tailoring policies that can make a real difference. Through reliable data on disability demographics, including gender and type-specific data, the Commission aims to inform policies that reflect the lived experiences of PWDs and promote equity in access to services.
In his vote of thanks, Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam, the Commission’s Director of Enforcement and Compliance, reinforced the Commission’s readiness to enforce accessibility standards across Nigeria. He noted that the five-year moratorium given to public and private establishments to comply with the Accessibility Act has officially elapsed, signaling a new phase in the Commission’s mission. “The Commission is fully prepared to take steps to ensure that accessibility becomes a reality across Nigeria,” Barrister Uchegbulam stated, underscoring the importance of compliance in both public and private sectors to create environments that cater to all Nigerians.
The discussions closed with a shared vision of an inclusive Nigeria where policies, data practices, and developmental initiatives collectively empower persons with disabilities. Chief Gufwan’s call for a “we we” mission resonates as a reminder of the collective responsibility all stakeholders share in addressing the unique challenges faced by PWDs. This meeting, marked by mutual respect and commitment, reinforces the belief that inclusive leadership, coupled with robust data and sustainable funding, can drive a future where disability is no barrier to opportunity and dignity.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, under Chief Gufwan’s leadership, is poised to be a transformative force, working tirelessly to foster a Nigeria where PWDs are empowered, respected, and included in every facet of society.
