By Ngozi Nwankwo
In a significant move towards improving the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities,PWDs, in Nigeria, Chief Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, paid a working visit to the National Population Commission,NPC, headquarters in Abuja.
The visit underscores the Commission’s commitment to establishing an accurate count and detailed demographic data for PWDs in Nigeria, which would reflect distinctions by gender and specific disability clusters.
During the visit, Chief Gufwan emphasised that comprehensive data collection has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria. He noted that without accurate figures, it remains difficult to effectively cater to the needs of Persons with Disabilities across various clusters.
“Knowing the exact number of Persons with Disabilities according to clusters and gender will be an added advantage in advancing inclusion,” stated Gufwan.
He further shared a personal experience from the 2006 census when an enumerator pre-filled a form on his behalf, prompting him to thumbprint without proper engagement.
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The Executive Secretary expressed concern that if an educated PWD could encounter such a lapse, the situation might be even more challenging for those with less access to information or education.
Responding to the Executive Secretary’s remarks, Hon. Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission, acknowledged that the last census in Nigeria was conducted in 2006.
He cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the major reasons a new census has yet to be conducted. However, he assured the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities that the concerns of PWDs are prioritized under Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Kwarra reiterated the NPC’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Disability Commission, urging Chief Gufwan to leverage his influence in advocating for a new national census.
He highlighted the NPC’s commitment to a more technologically advanced approach, with digital gadgets and modernized methods poised to make the upcoming census more accurate and inclusive.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with an exchange of gifts between Chief Gufwan and Hon. Kwarra, symbolizing the spirit of partnership and mutual commitment to advancing the inclusion and rights of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
However, NCPWD under the watch of Chief Ayuba Gufwan is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria, promoting accessibility, equal opportunities, and full societal integration.