The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has renewed its collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) to enhance the well-being and inclusion of persons with disabilities and older persons across Nigeria.
The partnership seeks to promote joint programmes on inclusive social protection, accessible healthcare, and community-based interventions for vulnerable groups. Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, noted that both disability and aging are part of human diversity and must be deliberately integrated into national planning and development.
“Old age is not a crime. We must build a nation that values its people not just in words but in action,” Gufwan said. “As a Commission, we are committed to working with the National Senior Citizens Centre to ensure that our collective efforts reach the most vulnerable, especially persons with disabilities.”
In her remarks, the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Hon. Akinyemi Obe, commended NCPWD for its sustained advocacy and programmes in support of persons with disabilities, noting that such initiatives also uplift older citizens who often face overlapping challenges.
“We propose collaboration in areas such as social protection, accessible healthcare, livelihood support, community-based care systems, and joint advocacy campaigns,” she said. “Senior citizens, including those with disabilities, deserve more than recognition — they deserve intentional action that ensures they live their later years in peace, health, and dignity.”
Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to developing a national framework for inclusion, which will guide collaboration across federal, state, and local government levels. They also agreed to expand outreach offices across Nigeria to bring essential services closer to vulnerable citizens, particularly those in rural areas.
The renewed partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to inclusive governance and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind.