The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative to promote and develop talents among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through a reality television show and other entertainment and media platforms.
The partnership is anchored on the belief that disability does not negate ability, with both organisations seeking to provide Persons with Disabilities with platforms to showcase their creativity, talents and skills to national and international audiences.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, described the partnership as a significant step towards advancing inclusion and creating greater opportunities for the disability community.
Gufwan said the estimated 35 million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria need not only opportunities to develop their abilities but also credible platforms through which they can showcase their talents across different fields.
“This is a welcome development and a demonstration of the commitment of friends and partners to the PWD community. The greatest need of Persons with Disabilities is not only about having ability or not but getting a veritable platform to showcase their talents across various fields,” he said.
He added that the MoU would serve as a window of opportunity for more organisations and individuals to collaborate with the Commission in creating platforms that would enable Persons with Disabilities to demonstrate their abilities to the world.
“This development brings great joy to the Commission. It demonstrates the belief of our partner in the immense talents within the PWD community and their resolve to ensure these talents are showcased,” Gufwan said.
He urged Persons with Disabilities to take advantage of the initiative and use the opportunity to demonstrate the wealth of talent within the community, expressing hope that the partnership would pave the way for further collaborations.
Also speaking, the Founder of Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative, Mr. Steve Rodstick Ezeh, said the signing of the MoU marked the beginning of a new chapter in reality television and show business featuring Persons with Disabilities.
In the same vein, the Director of Social Integration at NCPWD, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, said the partnership would help increase the participation and visibility of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Idemudia noted that the signing of the agreement marked the commencement of a vibrant partnership aimed at creating opportunities and promoting the development and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
The NCPWD said it expects the initiative to contribute to changing perceptions about disability while providing talented Persons with Disabilities with opportunities to gain visibility, recognition and greater participation in the creative and entertainment sectors.
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