Laraba MUREY
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities NCPWD, and development partner, Sightsavers, have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating disability inclusion in Nigeria.
During a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Sightsavers’ Country Director, Dr. Joy Shuaibu, and West Africa Regional Director, Boubacar Dicko, emphasized the need to strengthen their partnership and align efforts for greater impact.
Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Ayuba Gufwan, highlighted the Commission’s priority areas for 2025, stating, “Mobility is at the heart of inclusion, and we are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian with a disability can move freely. This year is about action and results.”
Gufwan also announced plans to engage the private sector for increased corporate social responsibility towards empowering persons with disabilities.
Shuaibu praised the Commission for its support, noting Sightsavers’ achievements, such as providing vocational training and N50,000 startup funds to 150,000 persons with disabilities. She stressed the importance of implementing the Commission’s strategic plan, saying, “Our goal is to ensure this plan becomes a roadmap for tangible progress.”
Regional Director Dicko shared his experience from a recent visit to Kebbi State, highlighting the urgent need for mobility aids for polio survivors. “Mobility is the foundation for accessing education, employment, and societal participation,” he said.
The meeting concluded with discussions on advancing digital literacy, scaling vocational training, and launching impactful initiatives like the Inclusive Employment Initiative, set to commence on January 29.
Both parties reiterated their shared vision for a more inclusive Nigeria through collaboration.
