The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), led by Executive Secretary Chief Ayuba Gufwan, has initiated a significant conversation with Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) to enhance the safety of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the country.
In a courtesy visit to the DSS Headquarters in Abuja on October 24, 2024, Chief Gufwan met with the DSS Director General, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi MON, represented by Assistant Director General, Mr. Jonathan Kure, to discuss potential collaboration.
During the meeting, Chief Gufwan expressed concerns over the growing security threats facing the disability community, drawing attention to two tragic incidents: the recent murders of Jonathan Udochukwu, a Central Bank of Nigeria staff member, and Bala Tsoho MFR, an influential advocate who owned a rehabilitation center in the FCT. These cases reflect the heightened vulnerability of PWDs and the urgent need for specialized security measures.
Chief Gufwan also called on government institutions to ensure full compliance with laws mandating accessibility in public facilities. He emphasized that providing secure, accessible environments is essential not only for inclusivity but also for upholding the dignity and rights of PWDs.
In response, Mr. Kure reaffirmed the DSS’s dedication to protecting all citizens, especially vulnerable populations like PWDs. He expressed optimism about a long-term partnership with NCPWD aimed at improving the security of Persons with Disabilities nationwide.
This meeting marks a pivotal move toward addressing the specific security needs of the disability community in Nigeria, with both institutions committed to ensuring greater protection and inclusion.