The Executive Secretary (ES) of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Barr. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, has said disability is not a weakness but rather an opportunity for People with Disabilities (PWDs) to broaden their potential and scope for greatness.
Gufwan stated this at the first African Regional conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCHEAD) held in Abuja, between 17th and 18th September, 2024.
According to Barr. Gufwan, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945, had the enviable record of being the longest-serving U.S. President as he served more than two terms in office.
Furthermore, he stated that Roosevelt had a unique story.
He revealed that he was in the Army but following a strange illness that almost killed him, he resigned and joined politics and was able to stamp his feet on the sands of times as he fought wars, defeated the enemies of his country coupled with landmark achievements, he had acceded to the yearnings of Americans who had repeatedly asked him to continue with his good work.
He, therefore, said when disability occurred, it should be a source of strength and an avenue to brings out hidden talents. Hence, he submitted that there is, indeed, strength in disability.
He also disclosed that his Commission is working to promote an inclusive society for persons with disabilities through research, advocacy, engagement, mainstreaming, policy development, and enforcement.
He expressed appreciation for the invitation to the conference as well as the Board’s efforts at emancipation of PWDS through its JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) initiative and reaffirmed the support of the over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities for the laudable initiative of the Board.
He added that the Commission was open to and would welcome relevant proposals and resolutions from the conference
