By Muhammad Amaan
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has organised a capacity-building training programme for security personnel and other stakeholders, including task-force officers on accessibility and anti-discrimination enforcement.
The training which took place in Abuja, and convened officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) along with stakeholders from all 36 states of the federation, was in fulfilment of the commission’s mandate to protect and promote the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs),
A statement by Mr Ishaku Kigbu, Head of Media and Publicity at the commission, said the theme of the programme was: “Capacity Building for Safety and Wellbeing of PWDs in Nigeria through Enforcement Modalities.”
In his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Ayuba Gufwan, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting its positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
He emphasised that the Commission remains committed to creating an enabling environment where all PWDs can live with dignity and without barriers.
Represented by the Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Barr. Ikem Ochigbelam, the Executive Secretary, reiterated that the NCPWD will continue to take concrete steps to ensure the full implementation and enforcement of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. He stressed that “any law that is not enforced is as good as no law,” and described the Act as a lifeline for more than 35.5 million Nigerians living with disabilities.
“The training aimed to educate, sensitise, and empower NSCDC Duty Desk Officers, task-force members, and personnel on the modalities for enforcing the Prohibition Act and safeguarding the rights of PWDs across the country,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr Dauda Magaji expressed the Ministry’s support for the Commission’s efforts and reaffirmed its dedication to implementing policies that promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, in line with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He applauded the leadership of the Commission for initiating the training programme and pledged continued collaboration and support.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates to participants, who pledged to actively support the enforcement of the law and promote accessibility and inclusion in their respective domains.
