The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, said that “Empowering Persons with Disabilities is not an act of charity but a delibrate strategy to invest in national development. The notion of ‘disability’ should never be seen as an inability,and this initiate is a testament to that. By equipping PWDs with the right skills and resources, we are not only fostering self-reliance but also unlocking their immense potentials to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society at large “.
This statement was made at a training program, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in conjunction the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), on the 7th March, 2025 where Persons with Disabilities were equipped with vital entrepreneurial skills to enhance their financial independence.
He applauded Lagos State Government for its unwavering commitment in empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Speaking further under the theme “Removing Barriers”, Hon. Gufwan reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to fostering an inclusive society where PWDs can thrive.
While commending Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for being a trailblazer to the plight of PWDs. He applauded the state government under his watch for being the first state to pioneering Nigeria’s first Disability Law. He appealed to other states to emulate Lagos State by adopting similar frameworks that will ensure equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and social services for PWDs.
In her remarks, the General Manager, LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde Lawal, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to the advancement of PWDs where their interest are not hindered and access to exhibit their potentials are guaranteed.
Similarly, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, reassured beneficiaries of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to sustaining its investment in PWDs, emphasizing that entrepreneurship remains a critical pathway to self-reliance.
The program witnessed the presentation of certificates to the beneficiaries by the Director of Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs. Taiwo Abiose. According to her, a start-up loan is being package for the beneficiaries for immediate take off of their businesses, she implored them to avail themselves this opportunity and apply.
In a related engagement, Hon. Gufwan visited the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, where he met with the key stakeholders. He stressed the need to focus on strengthening, intergovernmental collaboration, improving access to assistive technologies, and implementing policies that will guarantee full participation of PWDs in all aspects of society.
Having reaffirmed the commitment of the two organizations to work together by upholding the rights and dignities of PWDs across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Hon. Gufwan hoped that with the right policies and consistent advocacy, Nigeria can become a model for disability inclusion in Africa.
