The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has called on political leaders across Nigeria to emulate the remarkable example set by Her Excellency, Hon. Regina Akume, in prioritizing empowerment programs that directly touch the lives of persons with disabilities, particularly those in rural communities.
He made this appeal on, Sunday 24th August 2025, in Gboko, Benue State, during the official distribution of 200 tricycle wheelchairs to her constituents.
The initiative, which was spearheaded by Her Excellency in partner with the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center.
Ably represented by her Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Hon. Norgba Orvave, Her Excellency’s message delivered was contained her deep commitment to uplifting persons with disabilities, she expressed her profound appreciation to all partners for their on unalloyed initiative and supports.
Speaking further, Hon. Gufuwan the described the empowerment program as “a life-transforming intervention that restores dignity, freedom, and hope to our brothers and sisters with disabilities.”
He commended Hon. Regina Akume for her compassion and vision, saying that true leadership is demonstrated when initiatives are designed to reach the grassroots, not only those in the urban centers.
Gufuwan reiterated that “Disability is not a sentence to death; it is simply a challenge waiting to be overcome” saying that through the intervention, many of the persons with disabilities would overcome the challenge of immobility. He called on the beneficiaries to use the mobility aids to pursue education, start businesses, and engage in ventures that will make them independent. “No one was designed to depend on others for life. This empowerment is a gaterway to a future of dignity and contribution to our nation’s development,” Gufuwan stressed.
He further called on members of the National Assembly and other leaders to emulate HE Regina Akume and to prioritize disability inclusive policies. He reminding them of their responsibility under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
He reaffirmed NCPWD’s unwavering commitment to achieving 100% implementation of the Act. He promised that the over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities are fully included in national life.
In appreciation to the gesture, Mr. Terenge Lorliam, one of the beneficiaries expressed his gratitude to HE Regina Akume, Hon. Gufuwan and other stakeholders for this kind gesture, recounting his experiences. “For years, I have been depended on my family for movement to places but as from today, I can move round on my own without any hindrance”, adding he feels like a human being again.
The event was filled with display of joy and hope as beneficiaries tested their tricycles in a joyous mood, pride and renewed expectations.
The Executive Secretary, NCPWD, further expressed his profound appreciation to the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center for unwavering consistency in providing mobility appliances as well as being a dependable partner in cause of disability inclusion journey.
He also applauded HE Regina Akume, saying that an intervention like this, is an emulative vision of building a Nigeria of our dreams, where persons with disabilities can thrive and contribute to the national developments.
