The National Population Commission (NPC) says situational data mapping is essential to understanding the challenges faced by children with disabilities and to developing sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions for them.

The chairman of NPC, Nasir Kwarra, said this on Sunday in Abuja, during the launch of the Ojay Ajaifia Foundation for Children with Disabilities (OFCD), held to promote inclusion.

OFCD is dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities and amplifying the voices of children living with disabilities across Nigeria, focusing on their needs, rights, and empowerment through various advocacy and support initiatives.

Mr Kwarra, represented by the deputy director of civil registration and statistics, Yusuf Saka, noted that in Nigeria, children with disabilities often encountered serious barriers to education, healthcare, and inclusion.

“Data mapping can help identify these barriers and develop targeted innovations.

“Let me emphasise that the mandate of NPC includes gathering data related to births, deaths, disabilities, and demographic characteristics.

“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,” he urged, calling for collaboration and commitment.

The founder of OFCD, Ojay Ajaifia, said children with disabilities were often hidden, unheard, unsupported, and face multiple layers of stigma, systemic neglect, social rejection, and other structural or attitudinal barriers.

“That realisation ignited a calling in me. This foundation rests on a simple, powerful belief: every child, regardless of disability, deserves dignity, opportunity, visibility, hope, and a chance to thrive.

“We are not merely launching a foundation; we are igniting a movement for change. Every child with a disability is a star. With support, stars can rise and shine brightly,” she said.

She urged government to enforce existing accessibility policies for persons with disabilities, noting that many public facilities lacked ramps, accessible toilets, or infrastructure for people who used wheelchairs.

“We still have schools, hospitals, and public buildings that are inaccessible. Government must enforce policies so that every new construction includes ramps, rails, accessible paths, and other inclusive features,” she said.

She further explained that the foundation was launching its data mapping programme because there was no current, accurate data; most children captured in the previous census had now grown into adulthood.

Also speaking, the founder of Cedar Seed Foundation, Lois Auta, stressed the significance of education, enablement, empowerment, and encouragement in shaping the future of children with disabilities across Nigeria.

She urged the government to act intentionally by allocating specific budget lines for inclusive infrastructure and services under the federal ministry of education to support enrolment of children with disabilities.

“This would help ensure that children with disabilities are considered during planning and implementation stages, especially in enrollment, curriculum access, and learning outcomes,” Ms Auta said.

Onyinyechi Eberegu, a polio survivor, expressed her story of resilience and determination, recalling how she overcame discrimination, neglect, and lack of support to become her family’s first graduate.

“I urge parents: don’t give up on children with disabilities. Do not hide them. Disability isn’t a death sentence. It is simply a different way of living, not the end.

“With love, support, and the right environment, every child with a disability can thrive, succeed, and lead a life full of purpose, pride, and dignity,” she added, encouraging families and caregivers.

The event brought together stakeholders, advocates, development partners, and citizens committed to building a society where every child can reach full potential. 

(NAN)