NCPWD Seeks MTN Support to Empower Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has called on MTN to support its efforts in providing mobility aids and educational scholarships to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.

Speaking during a strategic visit to MTN headquarters in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, emphasized the critical role of mobility in empowering PWDs to access opportunities and achieve their full potential.

“Seek ye first mobility, and every other thing shall be added unto you. Mobility is the foundation of independence for Persons with Disabilities. Without it, access to education, employment, and economic opportunities remains a challenge,” Hon. Gufwan stated.

While expressing appreciation for MTN longstanding support for PWDs, Hon. Gufwan lamented the limited budgetary allocation available to the commission, which he said is insufficient to cater to the needs of over 35.5 million PWDs in Nigeria. He urged corporate organizations and stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to bridge this gap and enhance inclusion and accessibility for PWDs nationwide.

Hon. Gufwan also commended MTN’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly in ensuring that its buildings and infrastructure are accessible to PWDs. He encouraged other organizations to adopt similar measures to promote disability-friendly environments.

In response, MTN’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Mrs. Esther Akinnukawe, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She highlighted MTN’s four core pillars of inclusivity: gender balance, persons with disabilities, age representation, ethnic representation.

Mrs. Akinnukawe noted that MTN is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for PWDs and has already partnered with Sightsavers to train PWDs at the IT Bridge Academy, equipping them with digital and employability skills. She also assured that MTN would explore opportunities for sponsorship and the provision of mobility aids to support PWDs across Nigeria.

Adding to the discussion, Dr. Adebayo Adebukola, Technical Assistant to the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, emphasized the need for a national database to capture PWDs in all 774 local government areas. He stated that such a database would enable the effective coordination of support programs, including career fairs, employment placements, and social welfare initiatives for PWDs.

This partnership between NCPWD and MTN underscores a shared commitment to empowering Persons with Disabilities, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive Nigerian society.

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