The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting inclusion, empowerment and equal opportunities for Nigerian youths with disabilities as the world commemorates International Youth Day 2026.
In his message to mark the occasion, Chief Gufwan said the celebration, under the United Nations theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” provides an opportunity to recognise the diverse experiences of young people while highlighting their shared aspirations for dignity, independence, economic empowerment and meaningful participation in society.
He noted that young persons with disabilities across Nigeria continue to face significant barriers in accessing inclusive education, employment, digital skills and accessible infrastructure. According to him, these challenges are further compounded by climate-induced displacement, poverty and infrastructural deficits, particularly for youths living in rural and underserved communities.
Chief Gufwan, however, stressed that these barriers can be overcome through deliberate policies, effective implementation and stronger collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, development partners and communities.
He reaffirmed that the NCPWD under his leadership remains committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring that disability inclusion is integrated into national development efforts. He added that the Commission’s interventions are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its emphasis on social inclusion, economic empowerment and equitable access to opportunities and public services.
The NCPWD Executive Secretary also emphasised that disability inclusion should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of the Commission. He called on every Nigerian to play a role in building a society where young persons with disabilities can fully participate and contribute to national development.
While acknowledging progress in disability awareness, policy development, assistive technology and the gradual improvement of accessible public infrastructure, Chief Gufwan noted that more work is required, particularly in the areas of enforcement, sustainable funding, implementation and attitudinal change.
He commended young Nigerians with disabilities for their resilience, creativity and ingenuity, noting that many continue to develop innovative solutions despite operating in challenging and resource-constrained environments.
According to him, innovations ranging from adaptive agricultural tools to assistive digital applications demonstrate the enormous potential of young persons with disabilities and the need to create an enabling environment for their talents to flourish.
Chief Gufwan therefore urged stakeholders to invest in grassroots innovations, skills development, education and entrepreneurship programmes that can enable young persons with disabilities to become self-reliant and active contributors to the Nigerian economy.
He stressed that the aspirations of young Nigerians with disabilities are no different from those of other young people and called for collective action to remove the barriers preventing them from achieving their full potential.
He reiterated that through shared responsibility, sustained investment and genuine commitment to inclusion, Nigeria can transform the common aspirations of its young people into tangible opportunities and ensure that every young Nigerian, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to live with dignity, achieve independence and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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