The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), in collaboration with Peace for Humanity Foundation, has inaugurated a Local Organising Committee (LOC) to plan and mobilise funds for the establishment of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Farm Cities across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre under the theme “Breaking New Grounds for the Neglects.” The event drew stakeholders from the disability community as well as representatives of relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, described the initiative as a shift from dialogue to action.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting the rights and advancing the well-being of persons with disabilities, stressing that with the right support and enabling environment, PWDs can significantly contribute to national development.
Gufwan commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening disability inclusion under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the current administration has given persons with disabilities renewed visibility and optimism.
He also praised the Peace for Humanity Foundation for championing the Farm Cities initiative, stating that “inclusion is not charity; it is justice, development, and smart economics.”
The Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu, described the project as aligned with the federal government’s broader poverty-reduction and inclusion strategy. He pledged the Ministry’s support toward its realisation.
The Executive Director of the Peace for Humanity Foundation, Mr. Godwin Thompson Udo, explained that the project will build capacity and empower persons with disabilities nationwide. He disclosed that the nationwide establishment of the Farm Cities would require an estimated ₦70 billion.
The proposed Farm Cities will encompass diverse economic ventures, including mechanised agriculture, poultry, fish, and snail farming, and crop production (vegetables, cereals, yams, cassava, potatoes, and cocoyam), as well as ICT hubs, automobile and motorcycle engineering workshops, sports development, and craft production.
A major highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of the Local Organising Committee, made up of representatives from MDAs and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).
The National President of JONAPWD, Mallam Abdullahi Mohammed, lauded the initiative and reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to grassroots advocacy for persons with disabilities. Stakeholders also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and the NCPWD leadership for approving and advancing the project.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director of Social Integration at NCPWD, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, urged LOC members to deploy their expertise to ensure the success of the initiative.
The project is expected to mark a significant step toward economic empowerment, inclusive development, and sustainable livelihoods for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.