The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with the Peace for Humanity Foundation, has inaugurated a Local Organising Committee (LOC) to coordinate planning and mobilise funds for the establishment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Farm Cities across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, was themed “Breaking New Grounds for the Neglects” and brought together stakeholders from the disability community alongside representatives of key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described the initiative as a decisive shift from dialogue to action, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. He stressed that with the right environment and adequate support, PWDs could make significant contributions to national development.
Gufwan commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for advancing disability inclusion under the renewed hope agenda, noting that the administration has created renewed visibility and opportunities for PWDs nationwide. He also praised Peace for Humanity Foundation for the project, stating that inclusion is not charity but justice, development, and smart economics.
Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, described the project as a critical intervention aligned with the federal government’s poverty reduction and inclusive growth agenda, pledging the ministry’s full support.
The Executive Director of Peace for Humanity Foundation, Mr. Godwin Thompson Udo, said the nationwide Farm Cities project, estimated to cost ₦70 billion, is designed to empower PWDs through mechanised agriculture, poultry, fish farming, crop production, ICT farms, automobile engineering, sports development, and craft industries.
The high point of the ceremony was the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee, comprising stakeholders from MDAs and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), to drive implementation and resource mobilisation.
In his remarks, the National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mallam Abdullahi Mohammed, applauded the initiative and pledged sustained grassroots advocacy to ensure its success.
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