NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Press Release 25 September 2025 NCPWD AND QUEEN’S DREAM INITIATIVE JOIN FORCES TO ADVANCE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has partnered with the Queen’s Dream Initiative (QDI), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for children with disabilities, to advance the rights and welfare of children with disabilities in Nigeria. The Queen’s Dream Initiative was founded by a remarkable young girl who, at the age of nine, began championing the cause of children with disabilities. Today, as an 18-year-old law student at the University of Ottawa, Canada, she continues to lead the initiative, which focuses primarily on providing essential school items for children with disabilities and promoting their rights. During a recent courtesy visit, discussions centered on potential areas of collaboration between NCPWD and QDI to strengthen support systems for children with disabilities nationwide. The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Burki Gufwan, commended the initiative, describing it as “a very commendable effort”. He emphasized that great things often spring from small beginnings and expressed his desire to see the Queen’s Dream Initiative expand its reach beyond Abuja to all parts of Nigeria and beyond. > “Great things begin from humble beginnings. We pray that the Queen’s Dream Initiative will flourish and extend its impact across Nigeria and to the world,” said Hon. Gufwan. He also drew inspiration from the Dash Me Foundation, a successful charity model that creatively generates funding for social causes, encouraging QDI to explore innovative approaches to sustainability. The initiative’s founder, who has been at the forefront of advocacy since childhood, was praised by the Commission for her passion and resilience. Her mother, Mrs. Shade Ogundairo, expressed pride in her daughter’s achievements and reiterated the importance of collaboration and consistent support in advancing the rights of children with disabilities. The meeting also underscored the importance of nurturing children’s dreams and shielding them from discouragement as they strive to make meaningful contributions to society. This partnership between NCPWD and QDI is expected to open new pathways for promoting the rights, inclusion, and welfare of children with disabilities in Nigeria. Both organizations pledged to work together in developing programs and initiatives that will empower children with disabilities and ensure equal opportunities for growth and development. The Queen’s Dream Initiative remains committed to advocating for the rights of children with disabilities, supporting their education, and building partnerships to expand its impact. The NCPWD, on its part, continues to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal access to opportunities and services while protecting and promoting their rights nationwide. Ishaku Kigbu (anipr) Head: Media & Publicity National Commission for Persons with Disabilities