In fulfilment of its mandate to protect and promote the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with Nightstone Global Ltd, organized a capacity-building training programme for security personnel and taskforce officers on accessibility and anti-discrimination enforcement.
The training took place at Hawthorn Suites, Garki, Abuja, and convened officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) along with stakeholders from all 36 states of the federation.
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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, Hon. 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 emphasized that the Commission remains committed to creating an enabling environment where all PWDs can live with dignity and without barriers.
Representing the Executive Secretary, Barr. Ikem Ochigbelam, Director of Compliance and Enforcement, reiterated that the Commission 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, sensitize, and empower NSCDC Duty Desk Officers, taskforce members, and personnel on the modalities for enforcing the Prohibition Act and safeguarding the rights of PWDs across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Minister 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.
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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.