The Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Chief Ayuba Gufwan at Press time with the Country Director CBM Mr Abdulaziz Musa
October 31st, 2024- In a pivotal visit aimed at enhancing support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), met with representatives of the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) at their Abuja headquarters. The visit highlighted the growing collaboration between NCPWD and CBM, with a focus on leveraging data to drive impactful advocacy and inclusive policies for PWDs.
Chief Gufwan’s meeting with CBM leaders underscored the deep ties between the two organizations and the personal significance of the Mission in his own life. “My connection with CBM is divine,” Chief Gufwan shared, reflecting on CBM’s instrumental role in supporting his education. Now as a leader in the fight for disability rights, he sees this partnership as an essential bridge to achieving greater inclusivity for the millions of PWDs in Nigeria.
A major focus of the discussion was the critical role of accurate data in shaping effective policies and advocacy efforts. Chief Gufwan expressed concerns over the reported figure of 35.5 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria, stressing that the current data lacks verification and segmentation by disability clusters and gender. “Our struggle for inclusivity is holistic, and data accuracy is essential to achieve this goal,” Chief Gufwan stated passionately. He emphasized that accurate data will enable the Commission to tailor initiatives to address the specific needs of diverse disability groups, enhancing the impact of its programs.
In his pursuit of a stronger partnership, Chief Gufwan spoke about his hopes to expand NCPWD’s collaboration with CBM. He commended CBM’s unwavering commitment to disability inclusion and expressed eagerness to deepen this relationship for the benefit of PWDs nationwide. “I am willing to ask for more at any given opportunity for the benefit of persons with disabilities,” he affirmed, pledging his continued dedication to securing resources and support for those he serves.
Responding to Chief Gufwan’s remarks, CBM’s Country Director, Mr. Abdulaziz Musa, echoed the organization’s shared commitment to NCPWD’s mission. “The success of the Commission is the success of CBM,” Musa emphasized. He stressed that CBM’s goals align closely with those of NCPWD, particularly in pushing for full implementation of the Disability Act. According to Musa, the Act is a foundational framework that empowers CBM to better support the Commission’s strategic objectives.
Musa also highlighted the importance of transparency and open communication between organizations advocating for disability rights. “By building trust and fostering transparency, we can reduce the stigma that persons with disabilities face and strengthen support for their inclusion in all areas of society,” he explained.
A key guest at the meeting, Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, the World Bank’s representative to the Commission, further underlined the importance of collaboration between NCPWD and CBM. Dr. Adebayo emphasized capacity building and sectoral coordination as critical components for long-term success. “Working together to build sustainable structures and align priorities will enhance the impact of our efforts to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities,” he noted. Dr. Adebayo encouraged CBM to assist the Commission in establishing robust capacity structures, which will help further its mission to support PWDs in Nigeria.
The visit culminated in a collective pledge to continue pushing for inclusive policies and practices that respect the dignity and rights of PWDs. This partnership between NCPWD and CBM marks a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive environment across Nigeria, where individuals with disabilities have greater access to opportunities and support.
Chief Gufwan’s visit to CBM reflects his vision of a unified approach to disability advocacy, one that bridges personal experience, organizational collaboration, and data-driven policy. His call for data accuracy resonated strongly with the CBM team and other stakeholders, who recognized that informed, evidence-based advocacy is essential for crafting effective and inclusive policies.
As the partnership between the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Christian Blind Mission continues to grow, there is a renewed sense of hope and possibility for PWDs in Nigeria. Through collaborative efforts, transparent communication, and a shared commitment to data-driven solutions, these organizations are laying the groundwork for a future in which every person with a disability has the opportunity to thrive.
The visit concluded with optimism, setting a foundation for impactful programs that will address the unique challenges of persons with disabilities across Nigeria. Chief Gufwan, CBM, and their partners have affirmed their commitment to an inclusive Nigeria, where data accuracy, strategic partnerships, and unwavering dedication to disability rights will pave the way for lasting change.
Reported by the Press and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
