The conference hall in Abuja was alive with energy recently, as stakeholders gathered under the theme: “Empowering All – Advancing Digital Citizenship and Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities.”
At its heart was a powerful message, technology can be the great equalizer when accessibility and inclusion are placed at the forefront.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) took center stage, hosting a sensitisation workshop designed to bridge the digital divide for persons with disabilities.
The initiative drew praise from the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Gufwan, who, represented by Director of Social Integration, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, described the workshop as a forward-thinking step toward true inclusivity.
“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the transformative potential of ICT in advancing equality, inclusion, and independent living for persons with disabilities,” he said. “The digital space, when made accessible, can eliminate barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation.”
The workshop was more than just dialogue, it was a strategic platform for collaboration. Policymakers, ICT professionals, civil society actors, and persons with disabilities engaged in deep conversations about online safety, privacy, digital ethics, and the importance of building inclusive solutions that leave no one behind.
Highlights included a thought-provoking presentation by Barr. Ikem Onuegbunam on dismantling stigma and closing the digital divide, as well as the symbolic donation of braille books by Mrs. Olatokunboh Oleyele, NCC’s Director of Digital Economy, to the NCPWD, a gesture warmly received by Mr. Idemudia on behalf of the Commission. Participants also walked away with certificates, a tangible reminder of their role as digital inclusion advocates.
Gufwan reaffirmed NCPWD’s commitment to partnering with NCC and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s digital transformation story is inclusive, participatory, and empowering for all.
The event’s key takeaway was clear: digital citizenship is not optional, it is essential. When inclusive, it empowers people with disabilities through access to information, education, remote work opportunities, and active participation in society.
In that hall, on that day, technology wasn’t just about connectivity. It was about dignity, empowerment, and the promise of a digital future where no Nigerian is left behind.
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