The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPWD) has recently revealed its five-year strategic plan for 2023 to 2027. The commission has pledged its dedication to a scholarship program specifically aimed at various institutions for People With Disabilities (PWD). The announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of the commission, James Lalu, in Abuja during a stakeholders’ meeting in support of the Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI). This meeting was organized to mark the commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disability.

Mr. Lalu also stated that their empowerment program would proceed to cover individuals with disabilities, who are also eligible for the student loan as announced by President Bola Tinubu. Lauding the legal provisions for persons with disability, Lalu anticipates positive developments for this demographic in 2024, expressing that this commitment to people with disabilities is total and 2024 will be a notably transformational year for the commission.

President Tinubu’s commitment to eradicate poverty in Nigeria was highlighted, with 10% of this commitment already allocated to persons with disabilities. This upcoming period is envisioned to be a time of significant benefits, renewed hope, and collaborative efforts between the NCPWD, VDI, and other entities to promote the welfare of people with disabilities in Nigeria.

Catherine Edeh, the Executive Director of VDI, shared her inspiring journey of persistence in the face of various challenges as a person with disabilities. She also expressed her gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for passing the Persons with Disability Act before leaving office.

The meeting also served as the venue for the unveiling of the VDI’s five-year strategic plan. Daniel Uwaezuoke, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, VDI, expressed that government and development partners are currently putting a greater focus on inclusive plans and development. He saw the gathering as an opportunity for current and potential partners to better understand VDI’s plans and collaborative strategies moving forward.

Therefore, NCPWD has shown its commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities by including them in their strategic plans, offering scholarships, and enforcing the law protecting them. Continual collaboration with other parties, such as VDI, is an integral part of their strategies. Altogether, these efforts aim to overturn the negative narratives around persons with disability and to push for a more inclusive society.