The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) is partnering with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). The parties on Thursday resolved to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on digital transformation, and other matters relating to full inclusion of persons with disabilities into the society.
The potential partnership was formalized when the leadership of the commission paid a courtesy visit on the President/CEO of DBI, David Daser at the DBI headquarters, Abuja. The NCPWD was led by its Executive Secretary, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan.
The meeting explored potential areas of collaboration between the two institutes, with a clear focus to positively transform the life and living standard of the persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Daser called for official synergy between the DBI and the NCPWD along digital transformation, and also stressed the need for an MoU to cement and streamline the partnership.
According to him, the DBI has consistently worked with persons with disabilities in all forms, but he emphasized the importance of dealing with an established body such as the Commission.
On the challenges being faced by the commission, Daser said the DBI is capable of addressing some of their challenges through digitalization, especially those relating to impersonation by non-disabled people to enjoy the benefits meant for the persons with disabilities, identification and digital literacy.
Describing their visit as timely, he assured that as soon as the MoU is consummated, the institute would hit the ground running and ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all its intervention programmes.
The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Chief Gufwan, has earlier in his speech commended the DBi President, and the institute for its intervention programmes across the country over the years.
He acknowledged the fact that the DBI has always included persons with disabilities in their various intervention programmes. Gufwan added: “we have received reports from across the country about all interventions from the DBI, and we can attest to it that persons with disabilities are not left behind. We appreciate DBI contributions.”
The NCPWD president highlighted some of their challenges, which include impersonation, need for certification and identification of their members, digital literacy of their members, as well as marginalization and discrimination against persons with disabilities.
He said, “we need a lot from this institute, we need to be digitally inclined, to be digitally sound. We want our people to tap into many opportunities provided by the DBI across Nigeria.”
At the meeting with the Executive Secretary of NCPWD are: Ikem Uchegbulam, Director General, Compliance and Enforcement; Lawrence Idemudia, Director, Social Integration; Enyimba Joy, Legal; Gurumyen Carl, Human Resources Manager and PedroAfolabi, Security Aide. Also supporting the DBI President are: Mrs. Ngozi Nwoche, Head Corporate Services; Head, Value Added Services, Nwanze Okonkwo; the PA to the DBI President, Pius Togmaan; and Head, Special Project, Chibundu Odiaka.
Soji-Ezekiel Fagbemi
Head, Public Affairs
