NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Press Release Date: Sunday, 24th August 2025 GUFWAN HONORS REGINA AKUME AS SHE EMPOWERS PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WITH 200 TRICYCLE WHEELCHAIRS IN GBOKO/TARKA The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, has called on political leaders across Nigeria to emulate the remarkable example set by Her Excellency, Hon. Regina Akume, in prioritizing empowerment programs that directly touch the lives of persons with disabilities, particularly those in rural communities. Hon. Gufwan made this appeal today, Sunday 24th August 2025, in Gboko, Benue State, during the official distribution of 200 tricycle wheelchairs to constituents. The initiative, spearheaded by Her Excellency in partnership with the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, gave hope and mobility to beneficiaries who had arrived at the event carried by caregivers but left with renewed dignity and independence. Her Excellency was ably represented by her Senior Legislative Aide (SLA), Hon. Norgba Orvave, who conveyed her deep commitment to uplifting persons with disabilities and thanked all partners for making the initiative a reality. Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary described the empowerment program as “a life-transforming intervention that restores dignity, freedom, and hope to our brothers and sisters with disabilities.” He commended Her Excellency Hon. Regina Akume for her compassion and vision, adding that true leadership is demonstrated when initiatives are designed to reach the grassroots, not only those in the urban centers. > “Disability is not a sentence of death; it is simply a challenge waiting to be overcome. Today, through this intervention, many of our brothers and sisters have overcome the challenge of immobility. I urge you to use these mobility aids to pursue education, start businesses, and engage in ventures that will make you independent. No one was designed to depend on others for life. This empowerment is a doorway to a future of dignity and contribution to our nation’s development,” Hon. Gufwan said. He further called on members of the National Assembly and other leaders to prioritize disability inclusive policies, reminding them of their responsibility under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. He reaffirmed NCPWD’s unwavering commitment to achieving 100% implementation of the Act, ensuring that the over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities are fully included in national life. For many of the beneficiaries, the event was more than a donation it was the gift of freedom. One of the recipients, 28 year old Mr. Ternenge Iorliam, who had been carried on his brother’s back to the event, broke down in tears as he mounted his new tricycle wheelchair for the first time. > “For years, I have depended on my family to move from one place to another. Today, I can move on my own. I feel like a human being again. This is the beginning of a new life for me. May God bless Mama Regina Akume, Hon. Gufwan, and Beautiful Gate for remembering people like us,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion. The atmosphere was filled with joy as beneficiaries tested their tricycles, many smiling and waving with renewed pride. Hon. Gufwan extended special appreciation to the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center for its consistency in providing mobility appliances and for being a dependable partner in the disability inclusion journey. He also applauded Her Excellency’s representation through Hon. Norgba Orvave, noting that interventions like this align with the national vision of building a Nigeria where persons with disabilities can thrive, contribute, and live with dignity. In his closing remarks, Hon. Gufwan prayed for God’s blessings upon Her Excellency Hon. Regina Akume, Beautiful Gate, and all partners who continue to make the lives of persons with disabilities better. Ishaku Kigbu anipr Head Media & Publicity National Commission For Persons with Disabilities