Benue State – The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has applauded the empowerment initiative of Her Excellency, Hon. Regina Akume, following the distribution of 200 tricycle wheelchairs to persons with disabilities in Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency.
The intervention, carried out on Sunday in partnership with the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, provided mobility aids to beneficiaries, many of whom arrived at the venue with the support of caregivers but left with renewed independence and dignity.
Represented at the event by her Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Norgba Orvave, Mrs. Akume reiterated her commitment to uplifting persons with disabilities, stressing that inclusive programs remain central to her vision of community development.
Hon. Gufwan, in his remarks, described the gesture as “a life-transforming intervention that restores dignity, freedom, and hope.” He urged political leaders nationwide to emulate the example, stressing that true leadership must impact the grassroots.
“Disability is not a sentence of death; it is simply a challenge waiting to be overcome. Today, through this intervention, many of our brothers and sisters have overcome the challenge of immobility. I urge beneficiaries to use these tricycles to pursue education, start businesses, and live independently,” he said.
The NCPWD boss also reminded leaders of their obligation under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, reaffirming the Commission’s resolve to ensure its full implementation for Nigeria’s estimated 35 million citizens with disabilities.
For many of the recipients, the distribution marked a turning point. One of them, 28-year-old Mr. Ternenge Iorliam, who had been carried to the venue by his brother, wept with joy as he rode his tricycle for the first time.
“For years, I depended on my family to move around. Today, I can move on my own. I feel like a human being again. May God bless Mama Regina Akume, Hon. Gufwan, and Beautiful Gate for remembering us,” he said.
The event ended on a jubilant note as beneficiaries tested their new mobility aids, with Hon. Gufwan extending special appreciation to Beautiful Gate for its consistency in supporting disability inclusion programs. He prayed for continued blessings on all partners working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
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