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NELFUND Hails Dangote’s N100bn Annual Scholarship for Students

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NELFUND Hails Dangote’s N100bn Annual Scholarship for Students

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has congratulated the Aliko Dangote Foundation on the launch of its N100 billion annual education scholarship initiative, describing it as a landmark private sector intervention in Nigeria’s education space. The initiative, which will run for ten years, is expected to support more than 1.3 million Nigerian students across public secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was unveiled in Lagos in the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event. NELFUND said the initiative aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his commitment to expanding access to quality education for every Nigerian child through collaborative efforts.

In a statement, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for what he described as visionary leadership and strong alignment with the Federal Government’s ongoing education reforms.

“On behalf of NELFUND, we applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing collaborative solutions that strengthen our education system,” Mr. Sawyerr said.

He noted that the Dangote Foundation’s N100 billion annual scholarship scheme directly supports the President’s agenda of removing financial barriers that limit access to education and empowering young Nigerians with the skills needed for national development.

Mr. Sawyerr added that the decade long commitment of the Foundation, which targets public secondary schools, public tertiary institutions, and includes a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, will significantly boost efforts to widen access to education financing nationwide.

He further emphasized NELFUND’s willingness to work with the Dangote Foundation and other government partners to ensure the programme achieves maximum impact.

“NELFUND stands ready to engage, support, and work collaboratively to maximise the reach and effectiveness of this programme,” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is denied educational opportunity due to financial constraints.”

NELFUND reaffirmed that strong partnerships between government, the private sector and development stakeholders remain critical to building a resilient and inclusive education ecosystem in Nigeria.

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BHLA, YABATECH empower 1000 at Youth in Creativity 1.0

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BHLA, YABATECH empower 1000 at Youth in Creativity 1.0

The founder of Black History and Lifestyle Awards (BHLA), Mrs. Eziada Folashade Balogun, in partnership with Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), hosted the maiden edition of Youth in Creativity 1.0, bringing together vision, expertise, and a shared commitment to supporting Nigeria’s young creatives.

The event, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of BHLA, was held on December 3, 2025, and transformed the YABATECH campus into a vibrant hub of creativity, learning, and opportunity for young talents across different creative fields.

The programme was hosted by media personality Layole Oyatogun, whose lively presence and smooth delivery kept participants engaged throughout the day as activities moved from one session to another.

From early hours, excitement filled the campus as more than 1,000 young creatives arrived, eager to learn, network, and showcase their talents. Participants settled in for a full day of empowerment sessions designed to inspire practical growth and career direction.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Balogun described creativity as a strong driver of today’s economy and encouraged young people to take their ideas seriously. She urged participants to “dream boldly, learn fearlessly, and create relentlessly,” noting that with access and support, creative ideas can become sustainable careers.

Representing the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Angel Bismilai delivered a goodwill message and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing young talent. He said the partnership with BHLA marked the start of a long-term movement to equip young Nigerians with relevant skills to turn creativity into real impact.

The event featured panel discussions with leading figures in Nigeria’s creative industry, including Bimpe Onakoya, Ugochukwu George Igbokwe, Emmy Kasbit, Kid Baby, Anita Asianya, Tope Adenola, Tolu Arogunmati, Gift Vincent, Ololade Amina Afolabi-Borogun, and Omosalewa Ogunnowo, among others. The panelists shared honest insights on building resilience, navigating challenges, and turning passion into opportunity.

Distinguished guests in attendance included the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, and the Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Moyosore Adebanjo, whose presence reflected strong institutional support for youth empowerment.

Participants also took part in masterclasses and hands-on Creative Labs covering fashion design, digital content creation, photography, makeup artistry, and hairstyling. At the end of the sessions, items such as sewing machines, smartphones, makeup kits, and professional hairstyling tools were distributed to support participants in building sustainable creative careers. The initiative received wide attention.

Oyetty Foundation Gives ₦79m to Parents of Children with Special Needs

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Oyetty Foundation Gives ₦79m to Parents of Children with Special Needs

The Oyetty Foundation has provided business support worth over ₦79 million to parents, aimed at helping them revive and sustain their livelihoods while caring for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Lagos.

The support was highlighted during the foundation’s third anniversary celebration, where a Suzuki Mini Bus was presented to Adenrele Onipede, a parent from the Modupe Cole Special School, Akoka. In addition, business support was extended to 25 other parents, a gesture that drew emotional reactions from guests and reflected the foundation’s focus on easing the daily challenges faced by caregiving families.

Speaking at the event, the founder of the foundation, Oyetola Akande, reflected on its growth and the increasing number of families reached through its programmes. “We’ve been able to support many parents in ways that help them rebuild their lives. Some have started businesses, some returned to school, and others have secured jobs. Our mission is simple: to empower parents caring for children with mental and developmental conditions,” she said.

Akande also encouraged other foundations to stay committed to their missions, stressing that consistency and long-term dedication are key to creating meaningful community impact. She noted that steady service helps families trust support systems and build lasting progress over time.

Addressing parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities, Mrs Akande urged them to show love and patience while caring for their children. She emphasized the importance of self-care as part of effective caregiving. “Take care of yourself so you can take care of your child in the best way you can,” she added.

Presenting the foundation’s annual scorecard, Oluwatomi Alakija disclosed that over 25 parents received direct support in the past year, while more than 60 families have benefited since the foundation began operations. She revealed that business support valued at over ₦79 million has been provided to help parents restart and sustain their means of livelihood.

Alakija reiterated the foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting early intervention practices for children with developmental challenges, noting that timely support improves long-term outcomes for both children and their caregivers.

Also speaking at the event, Olusegun Akande, husband of the founder, commended the foundation’s team for their consistency, compassion, and dedication to families in need. He encouraged them to continue carrying out their work with excellence and empathy.

A team member, Isola Oladimeji, expressed appreciation to partner schools, parents, and teachers for their patience and resilience. She noted that their collective efforts play an essential role in supporting the growth and development of children with special needs.

One of the most emotional moments came from Adeosun Anike, a beneficiary, who shared her experience of facing overwhelming challenges before discovering the foundation. She described the support she received as life-changing, explaining that it helped her care better for her children and restored her sense of hope.

She encouraged other parents in similar situations to remain resilient, stressing that organizations like the Oyetty Foundation exist to ensure families are not alone.

Founded to empower parents raising children with developmental challenges, the Oyetty Foundation provides psychological counselling, financial assistance, caregiving support, and social empowerment initiatives. Its programmes mainly serve single parents, couples, and caregivers.

Over the past three years, the foundation has partnered with institutions such as Modupecole, Lagos State Special Needs School, Igbobi; Morainbow Down Syndrome Foundation; and Atundaolu School. These partnerships have strengthened outreach and support networks tailored to the needs of the special needs community.

As the foundation enters its fourth year, it has reaffirmed plans to expand programmes, strengthen partnerships, and ensure families receive the support, dignity, and empowerment they deserve.

NYSC Overhauls SAED Training to Cut Corps Members Unemployment

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NYSC Overhauls SAED Training to Cut Corps Members Unemployment

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced a major overhaul of its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training for Corps Members, aimed at reducing unemployment and improving long term employability among young Nigerians.

The Director General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this during his address at the 2025 second SAED stakeholders’ summit held in Abuja. The summit had the theme “Empowering a Generation: Building Competence for the Future Workplace and Enterprise Through Impactful Partnerships.”

Nafiu explained that the overhaul involves standardising the SAED curriculum to ensure deeper impact and better outcomes for Corps Members across the country. He said the Scheme has embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation of the SAED programme as a pathway to combating youth unemployment.

According to him, the updated curriculum now includes modern and in demand skills such as artificial intelligence and mobile application development, among others. He noted that these additions are designed to help Corps Members stay relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing global labour market.

The DG further disclosed that Corps Members are being mainstreamed into the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme. He added that the NYSC is also connecting participants to global remote work opportunities through initiatives like Outsource to Nigeria, nyscjobs.ng, and the SAED SME toolkit.

Describing SAED as a pillar of youth empowerment in Nigeria, Nafiu said more than 3.18 million Corps Members have completed entrepreneurship and workplace readiness training since 2012. He revealed that over 30,000 businesses have been formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by beneficiaries of the programme.

“They are employing others and contributing to the Gross Domestic Product while demonstrating that our youths are capable change agents,” he said.

Nafiu stressed the need to place greater emphasis on competence, mastery of SAED skills and digital fluency, so that Corps Members can remain highly competitive in today’s world of work. He also highlighted the ₦2 billion MSME loan fund for Corps Entrepreneurs, recently launched in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI), describing it as a landmark achievement.

The NYSC boss commended the founding fathers of the Scheme for their foresight in embedding entrepreneurship training into its objectives. He noted that “the unemployment rate as at 1973 was put at 1.9%, but today it is about 6.9%,” adding that many young Nigerians currently lack employability skills.

“We thank our partners and stakeholders in the SAED programme for collaborating with the NYSC to mitigate the scourge of youth unemployment in Nigeria,” Nafiu said.

He urged participants at the summit to renew strategies for equipping Corps Members with the necessary skills, creativity and confidence to thrive in the contemporary world. “Equipping our young people is not just a programme, it is a national assignment and NYSC is fully committed to it,” he added.

Earlier, the Director of SAED, Mr Kehinde Aremu-Cole, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for driving transformation across sectors such as technology and digital skills, creative industries, entrepreneurship development, financial empowerment and agricultural revitalization.

Aremu-Cole described the trainings, grants and mentorship sessions previously delivered as laudable, noting that they are shaping Nigeria’s future through Corps Members. He called on stakeholders to create special purpose funding pathways.

Apply for NAHCON 2026 Hajj National Medical Team Volunteer

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Apply for NAHCON 2026 Hajj National Medical Team Volunteer

The Presidency has announced that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has opened online applications for the 2026 Hajj National Medical Team. According to NAHCON, the 2026 National Medical Team operation will be conducted “strictly on a volunteer basis, in line with international standards as approved by NAHCON Management.”

Applicants are required to complete the Guarantors’ Form and Applicant Declaration.

The process is open nationwide for qualified professionals. This announcement was issued through The Presidency today officially.

The application closes on 15 December 2025 at 11.59 pm.

To apply, interested applicant should visit the application portal https://nahcon.gov.ng/nmt.

SEDC Approves 2026 Venture Capital, Fellowship, Investment Company

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SEDC Approves 2026 Venture Capital, Fellowship, Investment Company

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved the launch of flagship human capital and innovation programmes, including the South East Venture Capital Program and the M. I. Okpara Fellowship, alongside the activation of bankable infrastructure projects through the Project Preparation Facility and the South East Investment Company. These approvals were made at the 3rd Extraordinary Meeting of its Board.

The meeting, which also served as the final statutory session for 2025, was chaired by the Board Chairman, Dr. Emeka Wogu, CON. During the session, the Board conducted a comprehensive review of the Commission’s programme implementation, institutional performance, and strategic engagements throughout the year, laying the foundation for priority actions and strategic direction for 2026.

In his report, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Okoye, described 2025 as a foundational year focused on building strong systems, governance structures, and strategic partnerships needed to position the Commission for long term regional impact. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and support for the establishment and operationalisation of the Commission.

Okoye also acknowledged the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, for their guidance and constructive collaboration during the year. He commended South East Governors for their support, particularly the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for providing office space to serve as the Commission’s headquarters.

The MD/CEO further recognised the contributions of Board Members, Executive Directors, civil servants posted to the Commission, and support staff for their commitment throughout the year. He noted that these collective efforts supported the Commission’s transition and growing presence within the South East region during its first full year of operations.

The Board highlighted key achievements recorded in 2025, including the development of governance and administrative frameworks, the establishment of internal management and advisory committees, and strategic engagements with Federal MDAs, Development Finance Institutions, State Governments, private sector leaders, and the South East diaspora, as well as progress on the South East Regional Development Plan.

Other achievements included concept development for major programmes such as the South East Economic Corridor, the South East Investment Company, the South East Venture Capital Program, the South East Grassroot Sports Infrastructure Development Program, and the Project Preparation Facility, alongside concrete steps toward relocating core operations to Enugu in early 2026.

Following deliberations, the Board endorsed the 2025 Year in Review Report and approved operational priorities for the first half of 2026. These include full transition to the Enugu headquarters, activation of priority programmes, commencement of stakeholder consultations on the Regional Development Plan, and strengthening institutional capacity through targeted recruitment.

The Board also noted fiscal realities outlined in the 2026 Call Circular, commended Management for maintaining strong partnerships, and directed Standing Committees to continue oversight across environment, projects, commercial development, inclusion, finance, security, and legal matters. Confidence was expressed in the Commission’s readiness for visible programme rollout in 2026.

Speaking on relocation, Dr. Emeka Wogu, CON, stated, “In endorsing the Commission’s relocation to Enugu, the Board affirms that SEDC must remain firmly rooted in the region it was created to serve.” On infrastructure, Okoye said, “The South East is ready for bankable projects.”

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Management in building a transparent, disciplined institution. The meeting marked the Board’s final sitting for 2025, with appreciation to stakeholders and optimism that 2026 will deliver measurable impact across the South East.

FG, CREDICORP Launch 10,000 Women in Mobility Initiative

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FG, CREDICORP Launch 10,000 Women in Mobility Initiative

The federal government through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched the 10,000 Women in Mobility initiative at Eagle Square, Abuja, marking one of Nigeria’s biggest single-day asset distributions for women, with 300 tricycles handed over to female beneficiaries at the national launch.

The programme is designed to empower 10,000 women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones by providing access to mobility assets and a sustainable consumer credit structure. Beneficiaries are expected to participate actively in transport, logistics, delivery services and other mobility-driven livelihoods, using the assets to build stable income streams.

Officials described the initiative as a programme that goes beyond policy conversations and delivers real tools for economic empowerment. The rollout is positioned as an inclusive and practical solution aimed at strengthening livelihoods and expanding economic participation among women nationwide.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CREDICORP, Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, said consumer credit plays a key role in improving quality of life and access to opportunity. “Consumer credit is about accessing a higher quality of life. Today, 1,000 women begin that journey, riding out with brand-new locally manufactured tricycles under President Tinubu’s vision for nationwide credit access,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr Joseph Oluweimimo, said the launch signals a major shift in the mobility and automotive space. “Today marks the beginning of transformation in the mobility space. We continue to insist that these tricycles be built to the specification of Nigerian women because inclusivity matters, and it is fitting that the rollout begins with women,” he said.

He explained that mobility should be seen as more than transportation alone. “I believe mobility is more than movement; it is access to income, to opportunity and to sustainable enterprise. By providing women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones with mobility assets supported by structured consumer credit, this programme directly strengthens participation in transport, logistics, delivery services and other mobility-driven businesses,” he added.

From an automotive development perspective, the NADDC Director General noted that the initiative aligns with national goals on local assembly and industrial growth. He said, “From an automotive development standpoint, this initiative aligns clearly with my focus on local assembly, value-chain growth, and industrial sustainability.”

He further reaffirmed that the 10,000 units required for the programme can be produced locally. According to him, “The 10,000 units needed can and will be assembled here in Nigeria.” He appreciated Engr. Uzoma Nwagba of CREDICORP for driving a credit framework that empowers women and strengthens grassroots mobility enterprises.

He also commended the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for her leadership and commitment to ensuring women remain fully represented in national development initiatives.

In her remarks, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim shared a personal story to highlight the impact of small but targeted support. “After years of supporting a senior relative through small and occasional handouts, she once approached me with a simple request: a modest contribution to begin rice farming,” she said.

She explained that the support led to wider transformation. “With that minimal support, she expanded her farm, strengthened her household, and uplifted the people in her community. The story of her progress reflect a profound sense of pride, dignity, and renewed hope,” the minister stated.

She said such stories explain the purpose of the initiative. “Stories like this remind me of why we are here today. Behind every program, behind every policy, and behind every intervention, there’s a woman with a story waiting to be transformed,” she said.

Also speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, H.E. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the initiative as a direct job creation tool. “This program is unlocking livelihoods, 100%. Not just distributing, but putting food on our tables. I’m especially encouraged by the focus on women,” she said.

She added that the programme goes beyond social intervention. “This is not just social policy, it is mass economic policy. As a ministry, our responsibility is to ensure that jobs created are decent and fairly rewarded,” she said.

All mobility assets showcased at the event were assembled in Nigeria, and NADDC expressed confidence that local manufacturers and assemblers are prepared to scale production. Government leaders and private-sector stakeholders attended the national launch. CREDICORP partners present included Gamma Mobility, Subcity, TVS Motor Company, Bajaj Keke Nigeria, Accion Microfinance Bank, DAG Industries Nigeria Limited, and Letshego Nigeria. The initiative aligns with national goals on inclusive growth, credit access, and local manufacturing development.

Check KASEDA/BOI Shortlisted Candidates for MSME Loan Initiative

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Check KASEDA/BOI Shortlisted Candidates for MSME Loan Initiative

The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) has released the list of shortlisted candidates for the KASEDA Bank of Industry (BOI) MSMEs Managed Fund Loan Initiative.

In a notice issued to applicants, KASEDA informed the 2,392 applicants that documentation for the next phase of the loan programme has officially commenced at the Katsina Branch of the BOI.

All shortlisted applicants are to visit the BOI office with mandatory documents which include the KASEDA Registration Certificate, CAC Registration Certificate for company or business, company or business account details, National Identification Number (NIN) card, Tax Clearance Certificate of the company, and four recent passport photographs.

Applicants are also required to submit a completed guarantor form endorsed by either a senior civil servant on Grade Level 8 to 15 with not less than five years to retirement, or a business owner with a valid CAC Registration Certificate.

KASEDA urged applicants to ensure that all required documents are complete, noting that incomplete submissions could lead to delays in processing their loan applications.

The Director General of KASEDA, Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma, reaffirmed the commitment of the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, to supporting the growth and sustainability of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Katsina State.

Dr Ruma said KASEDA will continue to champion initiatives that expand access to finance and strengthen enterprise development across the State.

He appreciated applicants’ cooperation and expressed optimism about the documentation process.

To check the list, applicants should visit https://x.com/muazu_nass/status/1999561554572804481 and look for their names in the uploaded lists.

FG Inaugurates N7bn TETFund Projects at FUSHI Osun

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FG Inaugurates N7bn TETFund Projects at FUSHI Osun

The federal government on Friday inaugurated N7 billion Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)-supported projects at the Federal University of Health Sciences (FUSHI), Ila Orangun, Osun, marking a step in strengthening medical education infrastructure in Nigeria.

The minister of education, Tunji Alausa, while inaugurating the projects, said the facilities would elevate the quality of training, research, innovation and healthcare delivery for decades to come. He described the projects as an affirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the education ministry’s ongoing reform programme.

Mr Alausa described medical education as a national security priority, stressing that no country can grow beyond the quality of its health workforce. He said medical education is not merely an academic discipline but a national security priority, an economic growth engine and a measure of a nation’s civilisation.

According to him, a strong medical education system reduces dependence on foreign medical care and helps to curb medical tourism. He explained that this was why the president consistently emphasised the expansion of medical training institutions, the improvement of clinical learning environments and the modernisation of health sciences infrastructure nationwide.

“Today’s inauguration is a reminder that the future of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery lies in the quality of our medical education system,” the minister said. He urged the university management to maintain a culture of maintenance, innovation, discipline and academic distinction.

“These facilities must become hubs for world-class research, groundbreaking discoveries, and transformative teaching practices and be well maintained,” Mr Alausa added.

The chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Masari, said the inauguration of the projects signified meaningful progress towards the mission of making Nigerian tertiary institutions globally relevant and competitive. Mr Masari, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, said the projects formed part of the N10.5 billion allocated to the university from 2021 to date.

He disclosed that out of the allocated funds, the university had accessed more than N9.4 billion, leaving a balance of N1.1 billion, most of which had already been committed. He urged the management, staff and students to ensure proper maintenance and protection of the facilities.

“Let me reaffirm that TETFund will continue to support the university’s drive for innovation, creativity and impactful research, while sustaining our investments in critical infrastructure,” Mr Masari said.

In his remarks, the vice chancellor of the university, Akeem Lasisi, said the institution, established in 2021, was currently running 13 academic programmes with a total student population of 3,493. He said the National Universities Commission (NUC) had visited the university for the accreditation of nine programmes, while the remaining four would be ripe for accreditation in 2026.

Mr Lasisi also said that 453 students of the university had benefited from more than N130 million disbursed through NELFund.

The pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, Wale Sulaiman, said the council was committed to ensuring that the institution becomes a hub for academic excellence, innovation and healthcare development. He said the inaugurated projects symbolise the dedication of the council to the vision of the university’s founding fathers.

Mr Sulaiman added that the projects also reflect the transformational agenda of the President to increase access to education and training of more medical personnel, improve access to healthcare, provide state-of-the-art medical facilities, foster research and promote academic excellence.

“One of our main priorities going forward is to continue to lay strong foundations for FUHSI to compete on the world stage,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, Governor Ademola Adeleke said Osun State remained committed to supporting the university’s expansion and research advancement. Represented by the commissioner for education, Dipo Eluwole, the governor said education remains a priority of his administration.

The projects inaugurated include the Senate Building, Health Centre, University Gate and Road, Multidisciplinary Clinical Centre, and the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, among other facilities designed to strengthen learning, research and healthcare delivery.

NOA, NCPWD Set Up Joint Committee on Disability Inclusion

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NOA, NCPWD Set Up Joint Committee on Disability Inclusion

The National Orientation Agency has restated its strong commitment to promoting disability inclusion in Nigeria, with the Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, explaining that the country must not wait for perfect data before taking meaningful action. During a courtesy visit by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the DG noted that accessible facilities should be implemented proactively and in line with existing laws. He said inclusive building designs, dedicated parking spaces, and user-friendly public amenities are necessary steps that should not be delayed.

The DG also called for a shift from charity-based support to empowerment. He stressed that people with disabilities need the knowledge, skills and confidence to assert their rights and reach their full potential at both local and national levels. Issa-Onilu urged the removal of systemic barriers that limit the political and social participation of PWDs. He warned against token gestures, stating that Nigeria must build a society where accessibility, dignity and full participation are guaranteed for all.

Highlighting the Agency’s advantages, Issa-Onilu pointed to the NOA’s nationwide presence, media platforms and grassroots structures as important tools that can support awareness campaigns and community engagement on disability rights. He explained that these structures can help shift public attitudes and promote understanding across different communities.

Responding to the DG, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, expressed appreciation for the Agency’s support. He confirmed that the Commission is ready to deepen cooperation with the NOA to ensure full implementation of the Discrimination Against People with Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018. He also highlighted long-standing challenges, such as unreliable population data, low funding, poor staff remuneration, incomplete enforcement of accessibility standards and limited employment opportunities for PWDs.

Gufwan noted that although past census records placed Nigeria’s PWD population at 2.6 million, current estimates now fall between 35.5 and 38 million. He compared this to South Korea, explaining that strong institutional backing and employment guarantees ensure no PWD is left behind. He urged Nigeria to adopt similar standards. He added that disability inclusion should involve everyone who is committed to supporting PWDs, not only those living with disabilities.

Both organisations agreed that concrete action, wide sensitisation and systemic adjustments are urgently needed. They also reached an agreement to establish a Joint Committee of the NOA and NCPWD to design collaborative areas that will strengthen nationwide awareness, improve implementation of the Disability Act and support full inclusion of PWDs in national life.

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