In a transformative initiative to advance mobility and promote inclusion for the local disability community, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in partnership with the Songs of Joy Foundation, has provided 60 tricycle wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This effort underscores a commitment to enhancing mobility and fostering inclusion for the disability community in the region.
According to the organisations, the distribution was aimed at restoring dignity and improving the daily living of people with disabilities in the area.
Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring that all persons with disabilities across the country have access to mobility aids and assistive devices to ease their daily challenges.
“Mobility aids are not merely devices, but lifelines that can empower persons with disabilities to pursue education, learn skills, become entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to the national economy,” Gufwan said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Songs of Joy Foundation, Mrs. Maryam Shadrach Michael, described the distribution as part of the foundation’s mission to restore dignity and promote mobility for people with disabilities.
Mrs. Michael expressed gratitude to Executive Secretary Gufwan, the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre, as well as other sponsors and partners for their support and generosity.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to record groundbreaking achievements in their future endeavours, using the wheelchairs as stepping stones to success.
The Media and Program Director of the Beautiful Gate Centre, Sandra Nanbam, said the organisation has distributed over 40,000 wheelchairs across Nigeria and three other African countries over the past two decades.
Mr. Habila Anthony, President of the Southern Kaduna Disability Community, and Mr. Yohanna Ishaku Dangana, Vice Chairman representing persons with disabilities in Jema’a LGA, thanked the donors for their life-changing intervention.
They called on the government and stakeholders to intensify support to all persons with disabilities in various clusters, including the blind, the deaf and the physically challenged at the grassroots level.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Phoebe Jonathan and Habiba Abdulkareem described the occasion as a landmark moment in their lives.
They expressed gratitude for the gesture that has brought relief to their daily mobility challenges and appreciated the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Beautiful Gate Centre and Songs of Joy Foundation for remembering persons with disabilities in rural areas.
The event highlights the power of collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations and private foundations in addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities continues to promote the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in society through various interventions and partnerships across the country.