11/07/2026
NCPWD ENDORSES YAGAZIE WENG UMEZURIKE FOUNDATION FOR THE DEAF, ASSURES FULL SUPPORT AS IT EXPANDS OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEAF PERSONS ACROSS NIGERIA
The Yagazie Weng Umezurike Foundation for the Deaf (YWUF) has taken another significant step towards advancing disability inclusion and strengthening strategic partnerships with government institutions following a successful courtesy visit to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in Abuja.
The Foundation's delegation, led by Mr. Okoroafor Alexander Uchechukwu and accompanied by the Founder/CEO, Mr. Sylvester Umezurike Ekeoma and other officials of YWUF, introduced the Foundation to the Commission and shared its vision of creating a more inclusive society where Deaf persons and other persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to learn, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
During the meeting, Mr. Sylvester Umezurike Ekeoma recounted the inspiring story behind the establishment of the Foundation. He explained that YWUF was born from the experiences of his son, Master Yagazie Weng Umezurike, whose journey revealed the many barriers Deaf children continue to face in accessing quality and truly inclusive education in Nigeria. Determined to change this reality, the Foundation was established to champion advocacy, empowerment, education, and inclusive opportunities for Deaf persons and the wider disability community.
The delegation also expressed its desire to build a strong institutional partnership with the Commission, seeking collaboration on programmes that promote inclusive education, disability rights, empowerment, and sustainable development for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
In response, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, warmly welcomed the delegation and commended the Foundation for its vision and commitment to improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
Speaking from his personal experiences as a person with a disability, he emphasized the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination, noting that many families still hide children with disabilities because of societal misconceptions. He encouraged families, communities, government institutions, and civil society organizations to work together to ensure that every person with a disability is given the opportunity to discover and fulfil their God given purpose.
Officials from the Commission further highlighted the transformative role of assistive technology in improving education, communication, independence, and productivity for persons with disabilities. They encouraged the Foundation to incorporate assistive technology support into its interventions while also advising the organization to complete its formal registration with the Commission to strengthen future collaboration.
The visit concluded on a highly positive note as Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan pledged the Commission's support for the Foundation's programmes and reaffirmed its commitment to working with organizations that are advancing disability inclusion in Nigeria.
As YWUF continues to expand its impact, this landmark engagement marks the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful partnership dedicated to promoting accessibility, inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for Deaf persons and the wider community of persons with disabilities.
Together, we are building a society where disability is never a barrier to opportunity.
