On August 6, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Chief Ayuba Gufwan as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). With over three decades of advocacy and legal experience, Gufwan brings new hope and a transformative agenda for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria.
From his first day in office, Gufwan showed his dedication to inclusive growth by engaging with the Commission’s Directors and Heads of Units to understand ongoing projects and past achievements. He has forged strategic alliances with international organizations like Rolac, CBM, and Leprosy Mission Nigeria, reflecting his commitment to amplifying the impact of the 2018 Disability Act and ensuring its nationwide enforcement.
Central to Gufwan’s mission is the implementation of the Disability Act’s key mandates. He emphasizes the importance of reserving 5% of employment opportunities in both public and private sectors for PWDs, expanding inclusive education, establishing scholarships, and enhancing medical support. With the Act’s five-year moratorium on accessibility upgrades now expired, Gufwan is also pressing for nationwide compliance with accessibility standards in public facilities.
Chief Gufwan’s advocacy extends to the Civil Service Commission, where he lobbies for equal job opportunities, and to the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), where he calls for adjusted entrance requirements for blind students, particularly in mathematics, to support their pursuit of higher education.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by disabled soldiers, Gufwan met with the Chief of Defense Staff, proposing welfare enhancements such as artificial limbs and assistive devices to restore dignity to those injured in warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
Financial empowerment for PWDs is also a priority for Gufwan. During his visit to the Salaries and Wages Commission, he pressed for fair compensation, supporting the idea that economic independence fosters self-reliance and security. Additionally, he engaged with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, advocating for a budgetary increase for PWDs, proposing a leap from 4 billion to 60 billion naira to ensure comprehensive funding of necessary programs.
In response to recent security threats faced by PWDs, Gufwan also met with the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), seeking collaborative strategies to safeguard this vulnerable population.
In his first weeks of service, Chief Ayuba Gufwan has already made significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable Nigeria. By addressing essential areas like employment, education, healthcare, and security, he is laying a solid foundation for a future where PWDs are empowered to thrive and contribute fully to society.