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| Photos: ES NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, management staff and delegation from Sightsavers led by County Director, Dr Joyce Shuaibu and Regional Director, Boubacar Dicko. |
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and Sightsavers have committed to strengthening their partnership to advance disability inclusion and empowerment in Nigeria.
During a visit to the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, Sightsavers’ Country Director, Dr. Joy Shuaibu, and West Africa Regional Director, Boubacar Dicko, discussed plans to enhance collaboration in implementing inclusive programs.
Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Ayuba Gufwan, emphasized the Commission’s focus on actionable solutions in 2025. “Mobility is at the heart of inclusion,” he said. “We are dedicated to ensuring no Nigerian with a disability is left without the means to move freely. This year is about achieving results.”
Dr. Shuaibu praised the Commission’s support and highlighted Sightsavers’ success in providing vocational training and startup funds for over 150,000 persons with disabilities. “We aim to turn the Commission’s strategic plan into a roadmap for progress,” she said.
Regional Director Dicko also commended the Commission’s efforts and underscored the need for mobility aids. Reflecting on a recent visit to Kebbi State, he said, “Mobility is the foundation for accessing education, employment, and full societal participation.”
The partnership will focus on scaling vocational training, digital literacy, and advocating for increased government funding. The first major step is the Inclusive Employment Initiative, set to launch on January 29, which will create job opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Both parties pledged to work closely together to foster an inclusive Nigeria and improve the lives of the country’s 35 million persons with disabilities.