The newly appointed Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Gufwan, has outlined his vision to strengthen advocacy and drive change for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
During a ceremony at Unity Fountain, Abuja, to mark the 2024 United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Gufwan emphasised the Commission’s commitment to enforcing the rights and improving the lives of over 30 million PWDs across Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the commission’s mandate, which is derived from the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
His vision includes the implementation of a National Disability Inclusion Architecture (NDIA) that will focus on six strategic pillars – strengthening governance structures, ensuring accessibility, supporting employment and economic empowerment, facilitating access to assistive technologies and fostering public awareness.
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Also, Gufwan announced the establishment of a National Disability Database to collect accurate data on PWDs for informed policy-making.
He also revealed plans for pilot programmes on accessibility regulations and national frameworks to ensure equal employment opportunities for PWDs.
To mark the IDPD, the Commission hosted a National Dialogue centred around the theme “Transformative Solutions to Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria.”
The IDPD, established by the United Nations in 1992, seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by PWDs and promote their inclusion in all sectors of society.
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