The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities has strengthened its partnership with the Prothese Foundation to enhance Nigeria’s participation in the 2027 International Abilympics in Helsinki, Finland.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, disclosed this in Abuja while hosting a delegation from the Prothese Foundation during a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters.
Gufwan commended the foundation for its continued support for persons with disabilities, particularly its role in promoting their participation in the International Abilympics.
He said the partnership aligns with the commission’s commitment to advancing inclusion and ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in national development.
Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Director of the Prothese Foundation Nigeria, Awulika Enechikwu, said the organisation was proposing Nigeria’s full participation with a 45-member delegation at the 11th International Abilympics scheduled to hold from May 10 to 13, 2027.
Enechikwu noted that the initiative is in line with Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
She explained that the delegation would showcase Nigeria’s vocational talents among persons with disabilities across various categories, including digital and technical skills, creative and beauty, as well as service and construction.
According to her, the foundation has developed a strategic roadmap to address past participation challenges and ensure cost-effective implementation.
“We are eager to support the NCPWD’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a global leader in disability inclusion. Our roadmap addresses historical participation challenges while ensuring fiscal responsibility,” she said.
Enechikwu added that the foundation plans to leverage the International Abilympic Federation Aid scholarship and adopt cost-saving measures, particularly in international travel and accommodation.
She further stated that selected participants would be drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as states, with previous Abilympics contestants automatically registered.
The partnership, according to both parties, is aimed at promoting vocational empowerment and strengthening disability inclusion in Nigeria.
They also called on stakeholders to support efforts to create an enabling environment for persons with disabilities to thrive.
