The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has formally recognized the Deafblind Cluster during a strategic courtesy visit by the group to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The engagement marks a significant step toward strengthening national inclusion efforts for one of the most underserved and often overlooked disability groups in Nigeria.
The visit was led by the Lionheart Ability Leaders International Foundation, a non-governmental organization that has spent over five years identifying, supporting, and unifying persons who are deafblind. The Foundation revealed that it has documented 96 individuals across the country, many of whom have lived in isolation due to stigma, communication barriers, and a general lack of awareness about deafblindness.
Although a few have made progress—four are currently employed and ten have access to education—the majority still lack educational and economic opportunities. The Foundation also reported the loss of two members whose health challenges went undetected because of communication limitations.
During the meeting, the delegation leader, Mr. Okelola Solomon, called for stronger institutional support to address the challenges facing the deafblind community. He emphasized the need for coordinated rehabilitation efforts, official recognition of persons who are deafblind as a distinct disability group, expanded educational access, and a more accessible physical and social environment. He also appealed for a review of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act to explicitly acknowledge and protect persons who are deafblind. Mr. Solomon noted that the Foundation, guided by five professionals on its board, has already developed a structured plan to drive sustainable progress.
In his response, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD commended the Foundation’s commitment, describing the visit as timely and essential. He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Deafblind Cluster, stressing that the Commission remains dedicated to ensuring that no disability group is left behind in national planning and intervention efforts.
He further highlighted the Commission’s ongoing initiatives, including the development of a national disability database, improved access to assistive devices, and enhanced support systems tailored to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities. He praised the resilience of the deafblind community and emphasized that every individual, regardless of disability, possesses unique abilities that contribute to national development.
The NCPWD congratulated Mr. Solomon and formally welcomed the Deafblind Cluster into the national disability community—signaling a new chapter in Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive representation and equal opportunity for all.
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