The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, has called on persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria to promote peace, unity and harmonious relationships to strengthen the disability community’s pursuit of their rights and welfare.
Gufwan made the call on Thursday when the National Association of Unemployed, Artisans and Employed Persons with Disabilities paid a familiarisation visit to his office.
He stressed that unity and cooperation among disability groups were essential to advancing the collective interests of PWDs, urging them to stop engaging in disputes that could undermine the progress of the community.
According to him, persons with disabilities would achieve greater results by channeling their energy towards issues that promote inclusion, equal opportunities and the protection of their rights.
Addressing a petition against a staff member of the Commission, Gufwan assured the association that the matter would be handled fairly and objectively in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
He also clarified that no individual, pressure group or association had the authority to dictate the posting or deployment of officers serving in the Commission, explaining that such decisions rested with the officers’ parent ministry and/or the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The NCPWD boss thanked the association for the visit and reaffirmed his office’s readiness to build a productive partnership with disability organisations to improve the lives of PWDs and advance disability inclusion in Nigeria.
Earlier, the President of the association, Comrade Damian Okolie, said the visit was aimed at establishing a cordial relationship with the Commission and strengthening collaboration in training, information sharing, accessibility and the implementation of the five per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities.
Okolie commended Gufwan for his efforts in advancing disability inclusion, while also praising the Commission’s management and staff for their commitment to ensuring that PWDs were considered in government policies, programmes and plans.
The association also passed a vote of confidence in the Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam, for what it described as his consistent defence of the rights of persons with disabilities. It equally commended the Director of Social Integration, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, for his inclusive approach.
The association’s president pledged continued collaboration with the Commission and expressed support for its leadership and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He urged the Commission’s management not to be discouraged by external pressures from carrying out its responsibilities in the best interests of the disability community.
Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Aliyu Agwai, emphasised that unity remained essential to the progress and development of the disability community.
Agwai assured the delegation that the concerns raised during the meeting would be examined and addressed through established procedures.
In his remarks, Uchegbulam reaffirmed his commitment to discharging his duties without fear or favour, stating that he would not be intimidated in the course of defending the rights of persons with disabilities.
He expressed appreciation to the association for its support and confidence, pledging to remain committed to fighting injustice and protecting the rights of PWDs.
Representing the Director of Social Integration, Mrs. Gloria Victor encouraged the association to report cases of social injustice to the Commission so that its officers could investigate and address them appropriately.
Regarding an allegation of maltreatment involving one of the association’s members, Victor advised the group to submit a formal complaint to enable the Commission to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing their commitment to a stronger working relationship aimed at promoting the rights, inclusion and welfare of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
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