The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) today visited the Kuje Traditional Council Palace in Abuja as part of its 2025 International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) celebration. Led by Executive Secretary Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, the delegation sought to strengthen partnerships with traditional institutions in promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination against persons with disabilities.
During the visit, Hon. Gufwan expressed gratitude to the traditional leader, Alhaji Haruna Tanko Jibrin, for his support in promoting immunization against diseases that cause disabilities, such as polio and other six killer diseases. He emphasized the crucial role traditional institutions play in ensuring inclusive governance and eradicating marginalization against persons with disabilities.
“As we commemorate IDPD, we recognize the importance of collaboration with traditional leaders in creating a society where persons with disabilities can thrive,” Hon. Gufwan stated. “Disability is not a key to death; we must work together to build an inclusive society for all.”
His Royal Highness Alhaji Jibrin Tanko welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination against persons with disabilities. He highlighted the establishment of two schools for persons with disabilities in Kuje and assured the Commission of his continued support.
The event included an awareness rally from the palace to the Kuje Area Council Secretary’s office, emphasizing the need for collective action in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Giving his remarks, the Technical Assistant to the Commission, Dr. Adebukola Adebayo reaffirms the Commission’s unwavering commitment towards protecting the right and well-being of Persons with disability in Nigeria.
Dr Adebukola emphasized that the commission had created programs and policies to promote inclusive society and he acknowledged the support of development partners, including Clinton Health Access Initiative, Christian Blind Mission, Sightsavers, and The Leprosy Mission Nigeria whose support make the commission active in delivering it’s madate.
The event brought together persons with disabilities from various clusters, who came out in their number to join in the celebration, they appreciate the commission for the advocacy rally saying it will help members of the society to identify with the disability community ensuring they are accepted without any form of discrimination against pwds
The event concluded with the presentation of gift items to the Royal Highness Alhaji Tanko Jibirin presented by Mr Lawrence Idemudia Director, Social Integration National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.