The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has strengthened its collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) to promote the well-being and inclusion of persons with disabilities and older persons across Nigeria.
The renewed partnership aims to enhance joint efforts in designing and implementing programmes that support vulnerable groups, particularly senior citizens with disabilities through inclusive social protection, accessible healthcare, and community based interventions.
The high level meeting, held on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, at the NCPWD Headquarters in Abuja, brought together senior officials from both agencies to reaffirm their shared commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, congratulated the Director General of the NSCC, Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe, on her appointment, describing her leadership as a welcome addition to Nigeria’s efforts to protect its elderly population.
“Old age is not a crime. We must build a nation that values its people not just in words but in action. As a Commission, we are committed to working with the National Senior Citizens Centre to ensure that our collective efforts reach the most vulnerable, especially persons with disabilities,” said Hon. Gufwan.
He further emphasized that disability and ageing are part of human diversity and that both require deliberate inclusion in national planning and development.
In her response, the Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, Hon. Omobolanle Akinyemi Obe, commended the NCPWD for its unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, noting that this commitment directly impacts the well-being of older citizens.
“We propose collaboration in the design, implementation, and monitoring of programmes that affect senior citizens, particularly in:
— Social protection and welfare for aged persons with disabilities;
— Accessible healthcare and rehabilitation services tailored to the ageing population;
— Skills reactivation, livelihood support, and economic empowerment for older persons;
— Community based support systems and caregiver training;
– Joint advocacy and awareness campaigns on the rights and needs of senior citizens with disabilities; and
– Policy harmonization that reflects both age-friendly and disability-inclusive standards.”
She added that the NSCC remains inspired by Nigerians who devoted their lives to service, mothers, fathers, teachers, farmers, artisans, and public servants who now deserve dignity, peace, and quality care in their later years.
“They deserve more than recognition; they deserve intentional action that ensures they live their later years in peace, health, and dignity,” she stated.
Both agencies reaffirmed their joint commitment to developing a national framework for inclusion, which will guide collaboration at federal, state, and local government levels. They also agreed to expand outreach offices across the 36 states and the FCT to bring services closer to the most vulnerable, particularly persons with disabilities and senior citizens in rural communities.
The partnership underscores the federal government’s broader commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, aligning with national disability policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Signed
Ishaku Kigbu (anipr)
Head, Media & Publicity
National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)
October 14, 2025
