By Ngozi Nwankwo
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Chief Ayuba Gufwan has paid a courtesy call to the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi MON, represented by the Assistant Director General, Mr. Jonathan Kure.
The meeting which was held recently at DSS Headquarters in Abuja focused on the need for a strategic partnership between the Commission and the DSS to address the security concerns of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria.
Chief Gufwan raised the urgent issue of increasing insecurity faced by the Disability community, highlighting two recent murder cases that have shaken the Nation: the killing of Jonathan Udochukwu, a staff member of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Bala Tsoho MFR, a prominent figure who owned a rehabilitation center in Bwari, FCT.
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These tragic incidents underscore the vulnerability of PWDs and the necessity for enhanced security measures to protect them.
In his address, Chief Gufwan also called for the full compliance of government institutions in making their facilities accessible to Persons with Disabilities, as stipulated in the existing legal frameworks. Ensuring accessibility will not only enhance inclusivity but also safeguard the rights and dignity of the community.
In response, Mr. Kure, on behalf of the DSS Director General, assured Chief Gufwan of the agency’s commitment to partnering with NCPWD to strengthen the security and protection of Persons with Disabilities. He emphasized the DSS’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups, and expressed optimism about the potential for long-term collaboration.
This meeting marks a crucial step towards ensuring that the increasing population of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria is provided with the necessary security and support.