Mr. James Lalu, the former Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), has welcomed the formal recognition of the Fellowship of Christians with Disabilities in Nigeria as an official wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), describing the development as a significant milestone for faith-based inclusion.
In a landmark move for religious inclusion, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) formally approved the recognition during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in March 2026, marking a historic shift in the structural representation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) within the country’s apex Christian body.
New Structural Integration
Under the new arrangement, an official Disability Desk has been established within the Directorate of National Issues and Social Welfare. The desk is designed to serve as a strategic hub for coordinating the interests, welfare, and spiritual participation of Christians living with disabilities across Nigeria.
The recognition elevates the fellowship to the same status as other influential wings within the association, such as the Women’s Wing of CAN (WOWICAN) and the Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN).
A Vision for Inclusion
Faith leaders say the development is aimed at ensuring structured representation, equal participation, and stronger social advocacy for persons with disabilities within the Christian community.
The establishment of the official desk is expected to promote disability-friendly infrastructure in churches and encourage specialized training for clergy to better support the needs of persons with disabilities.
This formal recognition is widely seen as a vital step toward building a more inclusive society where spiritual and social welfare are accessible to all, regardless of physical or sensory limitations.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
2 comments
That is a good idea, I hope is total inclusion and what I mean by that is there is interpreter for deaf, braille machine for the blind and accessible for wheelchair users.
Nothing for us without us.
Thanks for the recognition and inclusion.
We thank Almighty Father for opening this opportunity for PWDs. May the initiator of this move be blessed and filled with extraordinary wisdom to see the work through.
I am exceptionally interesting in this work so much so that PWDs will experience the call of God into His kingdom.