Abuja: The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and Discovering Ability in Disability Initiative (DADI) have expressed readiness to jointly host a reality TV show for Persons With Disabilities in the country. This was announced at a news conference and inauguration of the Committee and Subcommittees.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, stated that the initiative aims to change the narrative from sympathy to ability and charity to talent and empowerment. The show, named ‘PWDs Got Talent Reality TV Show 2026,’ will focus on discovering and projecting the abilities of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Gufwan explained that the show will host 14 finalists, comprising two participants from each of the six geopolitical zones and two from the Federal Capital Territory. The finalists will live together for 30 days, competing and learning under the one billion naira Ability Talent Fund. To ensure effective delivery, six Sub-Committees have been inaugurated, focusing on different aspects such as Contact and Mobilisation, Proposal and Partnership, Media and Publicity, Branding and Marketing, Logistics, Protocol and Entertainment, and Inclusion and Compliance.
Gufwan emphasized the broader mission of the show as a platform to create role models and change mindsets about the capabilities of over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities.
Mr. Steve Ezeh, the Founder and National Coordinator of DADI, shared his inspiration for the initiative, recounting a talent hunt in Ebonyi where he discovered a talented boy with a disability. Ezeh believes that, like mineral resources, talents should be discovered and developed to benefit society. He outlined plans for auditions across the geopolitical zones, where selected participants will receive mentorship in the house to become ambassadors for the disability community.
Ezeh further described the show as an empowerment program, rewarding participants with prizes and equipping them to promote the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015. The unveiling is set for October 18, with auditions in November and the show commencing in December.
The event concluded with the inauguration conducted by Gufwan and the taking of oaths by the committee members.