Chief Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), has promised to strengthen efforts toward inclusive policies as the number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria continues to grow.
Speaking during a recent meeting with members of the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme (ROLAC) in Abuja, Gufwan highlighted that the NCPWD was created because of the long-standing efforts and demands of the disability community for better governance and inclusion. "The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is a product of sustained agitations and yearnings of the Disability Community in Nigeria for an all-inclusive governance," he said.
Gufwan also pledged to fight corruption within the commission, stating that corrupt practices can stop progress. "Corrupt practices deter progress, goals, and objectives of every establishment, and that's why we will make sure that we are prudent with the resources made available to the Commission," he stressed.
He encouraged staff members of the NCPWD to remain focused and dedicated to achieving the commission’s goals. "I promise to utilise all available resources to impact the lives of Persons with Disabilities in our society," Gufwan added.
Mr. Danladi Prang, the team leader from ROLAC, explained that the purpose of their visit was to renew their support for the commission and help improve access to justice for PWDs in Nigeria. He also mentioned that ROLAC had played a significant role in advocating for the Disability Act, which was signed into law in 2018, and the creation of the NCPWD. "ROLAC is ready to partner with the Commission in the commemoration of this year's International Day for Persons With Disabilities on December 3rd," Prang said.
At the end of the meeting, Gufwan handed over the NCPWD's 6-point agenda to ROLAC, marking a commitment to continue working together to support the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.