Persons with disabilities in Nigeria and stakeholders in large numbers turned out for road work in Abuja to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan used the occasion to assure members of the community of his resolve and dedication to building and promoting an inclusive country. Delivering his speech at the Unity Fountain, after a Walk from the NCPWD headquarters to celebrate the 2024 United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Hon. Gufwan said his vision is tailored towards achieving the mandate on which the Commission was created.
The Executive Secretary reeled out his plans and vision for the Commission and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Community. According to him, the event marked another chapter in the Commission’s quest to redefining disability advocacy and celebration of efforts made by persons with disabilities in the society.
Hon. Gufwan further stated that under his watch, the Commission shall align itself whole-heartedly with the full actualization of the philosophy and purpose of the Disability Act and NCPWD’s 5-year Strategic Plan (2022-2027).
He said having realized the need to define and develop a National Disability Inclusion Architecture (NDIA), the Commission shall do so to drive the process that will help Nigeria achieve full implementation of the Disability Act at multisectoral scale.
The Executive Secretary said the Commission will set-up more inter-agency collaborative mechanisms between NCPWD and other institutions and levels of government as well as set-up the National Council on Disability and work with the 36 states and FCT to support 774 local government councils to set-up LGA Disability Support Units across Nigeria.
He added that his quick to-do is also to develop and finalize the digital infrastructure that will support the development of a stand-alone National Disability Database that will be done in collaboration with state and local governments.