'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Development partners in a significant roundtable discussion held on September 4th, 2024 reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in improving the welfare of people living with disabilities across Nigeria. The meeting, convened by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, brought together key stakeholders who have been instrumental in driving the Commission’s success over the past four years.
Chief Gufwan expressed profound gratitude to the various development partners for their continued support and contributions since the inception of the Commission. He highlighted the achievements made possible through these partnerships, which have significantly impacted the lives of persons with disabilities across the country.
“One of our goals at the Commission is to maintain the cordial relationship we have with our development partners, who have supported the cause of persons with disabilities in many respects," Chief Gufwan stated. He emphasized the need for sustained collaboration to address the growing challenges within the disability community and called for increased efforts from all stakeholders.
The Country Director of Sightsavers Nigeria, Joy Shuaibu, echoed these sentiments, congratulating Chief Gufwan on his recent appointment and outlining the various interventions her organization has made in partnership with the Commission. Shuaibu highlighted initiatives such as inclusive education, improved access to work, and healthcare facilities. She specifically mentioned the Digital Bridge program organized in Kano, which provided critical educational resources for women with disabilities. "Sightsavers has been in Nigeria for 71 years, and we remain committed to supporting programs that uplift persons with disabilities," Shuaibu said. She also acknowledged the organization's role in the production of accessibility regulations and the development of a five-year strategic plan for the NCPWD.
Similarly, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), represented by Innocent Abu Onyemaechi, showcased its support for the Commission by funding the publishing of "Standard Operating Procedures on Inclusion and Access for Persons with Disabilities in Pre-Tertiary Education." This contribution, Onyemaechi noted, is aimed at promoting equal access to education for persons with disabilities.
The Disability Rights Fund, represented by West Africa Program Manager Theophilus Odaodu, also reiterated its ongoing financial support for humanitarian efforts, particularly for persons with disabilities. Odaodu’s remarks further solidified the fund’s commitment to the Commission’s objectives.
In his contribution, Mr. Anagboso Obinna of The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) mentioned the translation of the Disability Act into three major Nigerian languages—Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba—as part of their organization’s contribution to making the Act more accessible to all Nigerians.
World Bank representative Cindy Ijeoma Ikeaka also reassured the Commission of the Bank’s continued support, particularly in the area of capacity building. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Commission and its stakeholders are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to further the cause of persons with disabilities.
TAF Africa founder and CEO, Dr. Jake Ekpelle, emphasized the importance of encouraging young persons with disabilities to participate in grassroots politics. He urged the Commission and its partners to motivate and empower young leaders to contest in local government elections to ensure that their voices are heard and their communities positively impacted.
In a further show of support, the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Mr. Tosin Adeyanju, extended a hand of partnership to the Commission. He promised that his office would offer interventions designed to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities across the country.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment among all partners to continue their efforts in promoting inclusivity, access to education, and overall improved welfare for persons with disabilities. With continued collaboration, the NCPWD and its partners are set to make significant strides in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s disability community.
