In continuation of activities marking the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations, hosted pwds to commemorate the International Day at the Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja.
The theme of today’s event was, “Leadership of Persons with Disabilities: A Pathway to an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
The event, which brought together key stakeholders, disability advocates, and government representatives, dwelled on progress made by the pwd community and also addressed the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon Ayuba Gufwan, who was a special guest at the ceremony called for a unified commitment to dismantle the systemic barriers that has continued to limit the potential of persons with disabilities.
He emphasized that achieving true inclusion requires a deliberate investment in accessibility, education, and economic opportunities, alongside the elimination of stigma and discrimination.
Speaking further, Hon. Gufwan highlighted the Ministry of Health’s critical role in addressing health-related conditions that lead to disabilities and praised the United Nations for its consistent support in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. “For our society to thrive, we must create an enabling environment where persons with disabilities can lead and contribute meaningfully. This begins with recognizing their leadership potential and breaking down the barriers that hinder their full participation,” he said.
The Executive Secretary underscored the intersectionality of disability with other factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status, urging for tailored, disability-inclusive policies and programmes.
He expressed the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders at all levels to promote accessibility, create awareness, and develop initiatives that will empower persons with disabilities.
Hon. Gufwan also urged the society to see persons with disabilities as assets rather than liabilities. “We must move beyond tokenism. Inclusion is not just a moral obligation—it is a necessity for building a truly progressive nation,” he noted.
He added that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities remains committed to championing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all sectors of life.
Ahmad Baba, who represented the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Health and Social Welfare, said federal government’s commitment to aligning its actions with policies that address the needs of persons with disabilities is unwavering.
He stressed the importance of creating visibility for disability issues at both national and local levels, advocating for inclusive programming and strategic resource distribution.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. John Ovuoraye, who represented the Honourablele Minister of State for Health, highlighted the Ministry’s progress in implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
He emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage for persons with disabilities and announced ongoing initiatives to improve healthcare accessibility.
Highligt of the event include donation of assistive devices such as white canes and walkers which were distributed to beneficiaries from various disability clusters, a gesture that reflected on government’s ongoing efforts to enhancing the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
The event also served as a rallying call to all stakeholders to amplify the leadership of persons with disabilities and work collectively toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Hon. Ayuba B. Gufwan concluded by urging society to see persons with disabilities as assets rather than liabilities. “We must move beyond tokenism. Inclusion is not just a moral obligation—it is a necessity for building a truly progressive nation,” he affirmed.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities remains committed to championing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all sectors of national life.