Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)

13/07/2026

13/07/2026

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) with support from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) organized a two-day workshop in Umuahia, Abia State, to strengthen stakeholder commitment to disability-inclusive climate action.

The workshops brought together government ministries, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organizations, emergency response agencies, development partners, and the media.

The Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, welcomed everyone present and thanked participants for coming to continue with the project that started in 2025. He stated that the heartbeat of CCD is to ensure the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in climate change policies through strengthening the capacity of various ministries for this inclusiveness. He noted that the major challenge in Nigeria is implementation. In his word, “planning and implementation are two sides of the coin”. As such we must continue to build the capacities of everyone to see that we have an inclusive climate change environment.

In his goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna who was ably represented by H.O.D. Climate Change, Mr. Chris Ike, commended the CCD for the niche she has carved, in ensuring that all issues relating to persons with disabilities not just on climate change but on a broader scale, are brought to the front burner and serious commitments and actions secured. "Your work has put us as government on track, to as a matter of utmost importance consider disability inclusion in designing initiatives into our budget circles, implementation, policies, frameworks and plans" he stated.

According to Comrade Okechukwu Wisdom, Abia State JONAPWD Chairman, he said CCD of a truth, it is no longer a small organization but as It has become a tradition, It has become a culture. It has become a part of us, a way of life for CCD, in breaking grounds, new areas in building the capacity of persons with disabilities in advocacy, in sensitization, in leadership and in management. This time, this issue of climate, they did not just start from gathering us to teach us. They started from research across local governments and zones knowing the differences and peculiarities and challenges that affect each zone. And after the research, they brought us together". He further stated while concluding that. Finally, it is obvious that now in all issues concerning disability, engagement, government and everything that will make our society inclusive and a better place for persons with disabilities, 'CCD is Everywhere You Go!'."

In attendance were also representatives from the National Orientation Agency, Ministry of Health, Abia Commission for the Welfare of Persons with Disability, Nigeria Red Cross Society, Fire Service, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the media etc

Day-1 focused on developing practical strategies for ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are fully included in climate change planning and decision-making.
The second day focused on building the capacity of government officials and stakeholders to effectively implement disability-inclusive climate policies.

The workshops successfully strengthened partnerships between government and disability stakeholders, increased commitment to implementing disability-inclusive climate policies in Abia State, and produced clear, actionable recommendations to ensure that no one is left behind in climate action. Key achievements included renewed commitments from government ministries, stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the adoption of a 10-point communiqué to guide future implementation.


change

23/06/2026

📢 WE ARE HIRING!

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is seeking a qualified and dedicated individual to join our team as an Account Officer.

Requirements:
-OND, HND, or B.Sc. in Accounting
-Strong organizational and record-keeping skills
-Must reside in Lagos
-Persons with Disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply

At CCD, we are committed to promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for all, we encourage competent candidates who are passionate about accountability, professionalism, and social impact to apply.

How to Apply

Kindly send your application letter and resume to [email protected] using the subject line: “Application for the Position of An Account Officer.
Deadline: Tuesday, 7th July 2026

Join us in advancing the rights, inclusion, and participation of Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria.

23/06/2026

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), with support from the Ford Foundation, successfully organized a two-day capacity-building workshop on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Delta State from 18–19 June 2026 in Warri, Delta State.

The workshop brought together Persons with Disabilities from various disability clusters, representatives of oil-producing communities, disability rights advocates, and government stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act and enhance their advocacy skills for inclusion in the Act's governance and benefit-sharing structures.

In his welcome remarks, the Acting Director of CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, emphasized the need for strategic advocacy to address the exclusion of Persons with Disabilities from key decision-making structures established under the PIA. He encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and utilize the knowledge gained to advance inclusion within their communities.

Delivering a goodwill message, Comrade Obruche Isaac Omo, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Government on Disability Matters, commended CCD and the Ford Foundation for promoting disability inclusion. He highlighted previous successful advocacy efforts in Delta State and encouraged participants to remain committed to pursuing positive change through organized advocacy.

Throughout the workshop, participants gained a deeper understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act, particularly the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) structures, and examined how the exclusion of Persons with Disabilities limits their participation in governance and access to community development benefits. Discussions also focused on disability rights, disability models, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Nigeria's disability law framework.

The training further equipped participants with practical advocacy skills, including stakeholder engagement, alliance building, advocacy planning, message development, and the use of evidence-based advocacy strategies. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Host Community Needs Assessments, Community Development Plans, and Budgets under the PIA.
Participants also explored pathways for engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, government institutions, oil companies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to promote disability-inclusive development. Through practical role-play sessions conducted in local languages, participants demonstrated effective advocacy and negotiation skills for advancing disability inclusion within PIA structures.

At the end of the workshop, participants expressed increased knowledge, confidence, and commitment to advocating for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Host Community Development Trusts and other PIA governance structures. They pledged to step down the knowledge gained to their various clusters and communities, strengthen collaboration among disability groups, and actively engage stakeholders to ensure that Persons with Disabilities are recognized as beneficiaries and decision-makers within the Petroleum Industry Act framework.

The workshop represents another important milestone in CCD's efforts to promote disability-inclusive development in the Niger Delta and ensure that no person with disability is left behind in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.

16/06/2026

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), under its project Ending Barriers Against Niger-Deltans with Disabilities (EBAND), with support from Ford Foundation successfully organized a two-day advocacy and capacity-building workshop in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The training brought together Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta, government representatives, organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), community stakeholders, and members of the media.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to deepen their understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, strengthen their advocacy skills, and explore strategies for promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) structures and other community development processes.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Hon. Ekpomokumor Mayor, commended CCD for championing disability inclusion within PIA-related advocacy initiatives. He also applauded the Bayelsa State Government for assenting to the State Disability Bill, he however, encouraged participants to remain committed to advocating for their rights and ensuring the effective implementation of the law.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Founding Executive Director of CCD, Dr. Hon. David Obinna Anyaele, congratulated stakeholders for their commitment to disability inclusion. He highlighted that while the Petroleum Industry Act has created structures for community development, many Persons with Disabilities remain excluded. He stressed that the purpose of the training was to equip PWDs with the knowledge and tools needed to remove barriers, engage effectively, and demand inclusion in governance processes.

Throughout the sessions, participants explored the realities of the Niger Delta environment and how oil exploration, pollution, and structural inequality continue to deepen the vulnerability of Persons with Disabilities. They also examined the provisions of the PIA, particularly the Host Community Development Trust funded by 3% of oil companies’ operational costs, and identified gaps in disability inclusion.

Participants were introduced to disability rights, advocacy strategies, inclusive governance systems within the PIA, and alliance building techniques. They learned that advocacy is not charity but a structured and strategic process of influencing decision-makers through evidence, planning, and unity. Practical role plays brought learning to life as participants engaged in simulated visits to traditional rulers, emphasizing respect, clarity, and cultural sensitivity.

By the end of the training, participants expressed renewed confidence and a strong commitment to return to their communities as advocates for inclusion. They pledged to engage stakeholders, build alliances, and ensure that Persons with Disabilities are not left behind in the implementation of the PIA.

This training marks a significant step towards a more inclusive Niger Delta where Persons with Disabilities are recognized not as observers, but as active participants and rightful beneficiaries of development.

05/06/2026

As we celebrate World Environment Day 2026, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) reaffirms its commitment to promoting an inclusive and sustainable environment for all.

Persons with disabilities are often among the most affected by climate change and environmental challenges, yet they continue to play a vital role in driving positive change.

Through our advocacy and partnerships, CCD remains dedicated to ensuring that the voices and needs of persons with disabilities are included in environmental and climate action.

Together, let us protect our planet and build a future that leaves no one behind.

Happy World Environment Day 2026

28/05/2026

As we celebrate this season of sacrifice, faith, and compassion, we join Muslim faithfuls around the world in praying for peace, unity, and abundant blessings.

May this Eid bring joy to every home and inspire a more inclusive, caring, and equitable society for all, especially persons with disabilities.

Happy Eid Mubarak.

27/05/2026

Today, we celebrate the joy, strength, and limitless potential of every child, especially children with disabilities.

At the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting inclusion, equal opportunities, and a society where every child is valued, protected, and empowered to thrive.

Happy Children’s Day to all the amazing children out there; your dreams are valid, your voices matter, and your abilities shine beyond every barrier.

Happy Children’s Day