The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has commended the Plateau State Library Board for its partnership in the Jos Book Fair 2026, describing the initiative as a significant step toward promoting inclusive literacy and improving access to information for persons with disabilities.
The Jos Book Fair 2026 was held from April 22 to 25, 2026, at the National Library of Nigeria in Jos, under the theme “Books as Influencers: When Words Shape Worlds.” The event featured book exhibitions, author engagements, workshops, and community outreach programmes aimed at encouraging reading culture among students, educators, and members of the public.
In a statement, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, emphasised the importance of reading and literacy in national development, noting that initiatives that promote access to books contribute significantly to education and human capital development.
“A nation that reads is a nation that leads. A government that promotes reading builds the strongest foundation for every other policy formulation,” he said, while commending the Plateau State Library Board’s collaboration with the Jos Book Fair organisers to strengthen reading culture and community development.
Hon. Gufwan noted that the objectives of the book fair align with the Commission’s mandate under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which seeks to promote access to education and information for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
He particularly applauded the Board’s efforts in supporting community libraries, organising mobile book tours, and providing books to disadvantaged students, describing these initiatives as critical to ensuring that persons with disabilities, including children in special schools, are not excluded from educational opportunities and the nation’s knowledge economy.
The Executive Secretary reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that promote accessible publishing, inclusive library services, and reading formats such as braille and audio books. He added that the NCPWD would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that literary events across the country reflect the principles of inclusion and accessibility.
He further encouraged authors, publishers, educators, and public institutions to adopt inclusive practices that make books and learning materials accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of disability.
The Commission reiterated its readiness to work closely with the Plateau State Library Board and the organisers of the Jos Book Fair to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities in future literary and educational initiatives.
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