NCPWD TO COLLABORATE WITH DIGITAL BRIDGE INSTITUTE ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INCLUSION

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) is set to enter into a strategic partnership with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to advance digital transformation initiatives that will foster full inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

This commitment was reached during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Commission to the DBI headquarters in Abuja, where both institutions agreed to formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Leading the delegation of the Commission, the Executive Secretary, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, underscored the urgency of leveraging digital innovation to address long-standing barriers faced by persons with disabilities. He identified key priority areas such as identity verification, certification, digital literacy, and inclusive access to opportunities as crucial interventions needed to enhance the lives and dignity of persons with disabilities across the country.

> “We need to ensure that our community is digitally empowered, equipped, and included in the opportunities available through technology. Our vision is to create a Nigeria where disability is not a barrier to innovation, productivity, or national contribution,” Chief Gufwan stated.

Chief Gufwan commended the DBI for its longstanding record of inclusive interventions, noting that the Commission has consistently received positive reports from across the country regarding DBI’s commitment to integrating persons with disabilities in its training and programmes.

In his response, the President/CEO of DBI, Mr. David Daser, welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism about the partnership. He emphasized the importance of formalizing collaboration through an MoU to streamline areas of engagement. According to him, DBI possesses the technical capacity to address several challenges facing the Commission particularly in combating impersonation of persons with disabilities, strengthening identification systems, and advancing digital literacy.

Mr. Daser further assured that once the MoU is signed, DBI will deploy tailored interventions to accelerate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in its national programmes, ensuring they benefit equitably from Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

The NCPWD delegation at the meeting included: Mr. Ikem Uchegbulam, Director General, Compliance and Enforcement; Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, Director, Social Integration; Ms. Enyimba Joy, Legal Officer; Mr. Gurumyen Carl, Human Resources Manager; and Mr. Pedro Afolabi, Security Aide.

On the DBI side, the President was joined by Mrs. Ngozi Nwoche, Head of Corporate Services; Mr. Nwanze Okonkwo, Head of Value-Added Services; Mr. Pius Togmaan, Personal Assistant to the President; and Mr. Chibundu Odiaka, Head of Special Projects.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in NCPWD’s continuous efforts to dismantle barriers, strengthen institutional collaborations, and champion an inclusive society where no one is left behind.