ABUJA — The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has empowered one hundred (100) polio survivors with wheelchairs as part of activities marking this year’s World Polio Day celebration in Abuja.
The event, led by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, himself a polio survivor, began with an early morning awareness walk at 6:30 a.m. The walk commenced from the Old Parade Ground to Area One Roundabout and back, symbolizing collective commitment toward sustaining a polio-free Nigeria.
The day’s activities also featured a Para Soccer novelty match, which drew large participation from disability advocates, health partners, and the general public.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Gufwan expressed optimism about achieving a world entirely free of polio.
“My biggest dream is for everyone to live in a polio-free world. It is possible if we all join hands to continue the fight against polio,” he said.
He further emphasized that disability should never be perceived as a limitation.
“Disability is not a death sentence, but a thing worthy of overcoming,” Gufwan added.
The Executive Secretary lauded the para soccer players for their passion and resilience, noting that their participation showcased the strength and talent of persons with disabilities.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of 100 wheelchairs to beneficiaries, symbolizing empowerment and inclusion. The day concluded with the Para Soccer Tournament Finals, medal presentations, and cash rewards to both the winning and participating teams.
The 2025 World Polio Day celebration was jointly organized by Rotary International, in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
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