NCPWD, Disability Initiative Sign MoU To Showcase PWD Talents On Reality TV

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and showcase the talents of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through a reality television show and other entertainment platforms.

The partnership is aimed at giving PWDs opportunities to display their creativity and abilities, gain greater visibility and participate actively in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

This was disclosed in a statement by the media unit of the NCPWD made available to journalists on Tuesday.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, described the partnership as a significant step towards promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for PWDs.

Gufwan said the estimated 35 million PWDs in Nigeria needed not only support and inclusion but also credible platforms through which they could demonstrate their talents across various fields.

“This is a welcome development and a demonstration of the commitment of friends and partners to the PWD community. The greatest need of the estimated 35 million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria is not only about having ability or not but getting a veritable platform to showcase their talents across various fields,” he said.

He said the agreement would provide an avenue for more organisations and individuals to collaborate with the Commission in creating platforms for PWDs to demonstrate their capabilities nationally and globally.

“This development brings great joy to the Commission. It demonstrates the belief of our partner in the immense talents within the PWD community and their resolve to ensure these talents are showcased,” he said.

Gufwan urged PWDs to take advantage of the initiative, saying it would help demonstrate the abundance of talent within the community.

“For us at the Commission, we hope this partnership will open doors for more collaborations,” he added.

Also speaking, the founder of Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative, Mr Steve Rodstick Ezeh, said the signing of the MoU marked the beginning of a new chapter in reality television and show business featuring Persons with Disabilities.

Ezeh said the initiative would provide PWDs with a platform to participate actively in the entertainment industry while challenging stereotypes surrounding disability.

The Director of Social Integration at NCPWD, Mr Lawrence Idemudia, said the partnership would increase the participation and visibility of PWDs in the entertainment industry.

Idemudia said the signing of the agreement marked the beginning of a vibrant partnership focused on talent development, inclusion and greater visibility for Persons with Disabilities.

The Commission said the initiative was expected to create opportunities for talented PWDs to gain national exposure, develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.