The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing persons with disabilities across the country with mobility aids and appliances to ease their daily challenges and promote inclusion.
This assurance was given by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, during a wheelchair donation event organised by the Songs of Joy Foundation on Wednesday in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, North West Nigeria
Mr. Gufwan, who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre, said that “mobility aids are not merely devices, but lifelines that can empower persons with disabilities to pursue education, learn skills, and contribute meaningfully to the national economy.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Songs of Joy Foundation, Mrs. Maryam Shadrach Michael, described the donation of the 60 wheelchairs as part of the Foundation’s mission to restore dignity and promote mobility for people with disabilities.
Mrs. Maryam extended gratitude to the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre, sponsors, and partners for their unwavering support and generosity.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to record groundbreaking achievements in their future endeavors, using the wheelchairs as stepping stones.
Also speaking at the event, the Media and Programme Director of the Beautiful Gate Centre, Sandra Nanbam, said; “the organisation has distributed over 40,000 wheelchairs across Nigeria and three other African countries over the past two decades.”
She warned against misuse or sale of the wheelchairs and urged recipients to utilise them judiciously.
In their separate remarks, President of the Southern Kaduna Disabled Community and Vice Chairman representing persons with disabilities in Jema’a LGA, Mr. Habila Anthony and Mr. Yohanna Ishaku Dangana all thanked the donors for their life-changing intervention. He urged on the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Phoebe Jonathan and Habiba Abdulkareem described the occasion as a landmark moment in their lives and offered prayers for the donors, expressing gratitude for the gesture that has brought relief to their daily struggles.