Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, has emphasised the need to develop sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions to tackle challenges faced by children with disabilities through situational data mapping.

Speaking at the launch of the Ojay Ajaifia Foundation for Children with Disabilities (OFCD) in Abuja, Kwarra noted that children with disabilities in the country lack access to education, healthcare and inclusion, adding that data mapping could identify these barriers and develop targeted innovations.

Represented by the Deputy Director of Civil Registration and Statistics, Yusuf Saka, the NPC boss stated that the mandate of the commission includes gathering data related to births, deaths, disabilities, and demographic characteristics, which are vital for effective planning.

He highlighted that data are essential for identifying areas of need, allocating resources effectively, developing inclusive policies and programmes, monitoring progress, and evaluating impact.

Kwarra observed that by leveraging data, which fall under the commission’s mandate, children with disabilities would be properly considered in the forthcoming census.

He stressed the need for the foundation to work with the commission “to harness the power of data and create a more inclusive society for children with disabilities in Nigeria.”
 
“We possess the tools to capture data on children with disabilities. With accurate data, we can identify priority areas, allocate resources, build inclusive programmes and policies, and measure progress and long-term impact. Let us join efforts to harness the power of data in building a more inclusive and equitable society for children with disabilities in Nigeria.” Kwarra added.

In her opening address, the founder of OFCD, Mrs Ojay Ajaifia, described the event as “a historic moment” in a journey to give hope and opportunity to children who are often sidelined by society.

Ajaifia noted that the foundation was founded on a simple yet powerful belief that every child, regardless of disability, deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope. 

She implored the government to enforce policies that would ensure that every new construction includes rails, ramps, accessible paths, and other inclusive features.

The keynote speaker and founder of Cedar Seed Foundation and Network of Women with Disabilities, Loyce Auta, challenged stakeholders to go beyond words by creating structures that educate, enable, engage, and empower persons with disabilities.