The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, has urged the over 35.5 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria to embrace peace and harmonious relationships.
Gufwan gave the charge in his office on Thursday when the National Association of Unemployed, Artisans and Employed Persons with Disabilities paid him a familiarisation visit.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD also assured the group that the Commission would handle concerns raised against a staff member fairly and in line with Public Service Rules, even as the association pressed for full implementation of the five per cent recruitment quota for persons with disabilities.
He said peace and unity among members of the disability community would foster cohesion and make them stronger in pursuing what rightly belongs to them. He added that energy spent fighting over issues that do not advance the cause of persons with disabilities should be discontinued, and urged them to unite in pursuing what would benefit the community.
Gufwan thanked the delegation for the visit, stressing that his office remains open to robust partnership to enable them to rewrite the history of disability in Nigeria.
Earlier, the association’s President, Comrade Damian Okolie, said the visit was meant to familiarise the group with the Commission and foster cordial relationships in the areas of training and information sharing and accessibility. He said the association also came to demand implementation of the five per cent recruitment quota for persons with disabilities.
Okolie thanked the Executive Secretary for his efforts and performance, and praised the management and staff of the Commission for their sacrifice in ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left out of plans, policies and programmes.
The association also passed a vote of confidence in the Director of Compliance and Enforcement, Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam, for consistently defending the rights of persons with disabilities. It also commended the Director of Social Integration, Mr Lawrence Idemudia, for his inclusive approach.
Okolie, on behalf of the association, pledged continued partnership with the Commission and reiterated the group’s loyalty to the Commission’s leadership and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, “on his mandate they shall stand.”
He also urged the Commission’s leadership not to allow external forces to make them relent in doing what is right.
Commenting, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Aliyu Agwai, described unity as the only path to progress and development. He assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be looked into and handled dispassionately through laid-down procedures to reach a logical conclusion.
Also speaking, Uchegbulam said he would continue to discharge his responsibilities without fear or favour and would not be intimidated by anyone. He said he would remain loyal to the Executive Secretary, whom he described as a dependable leader.
He thanked the association for its support and the confidence reposed in him, assuring members that he has committed his life to fighting injustice and defending the rights of persons with disabilities.
Mrs Gloria Victor, representing the Director of Social Integration, urged the group to report cases of social injustice to the Commission so its well-trained officers can handle them appropriately. On the reported maltreatment of one of the association’s members, she advised them to submit an official complaint letter so the Commission can intervene and act expeditiously.
The meeting ended with both parties committing to a working partnership that will uplift the lives of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
