NCPWD inaugurates committees for PWDs reality talent show

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) recently unveiled six committees to support its inaugural national inclusive reality talent show, PWDs Got Talent Reality TV Show 2026. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaboration with the Discovering Abilities in Disabilities Initiative (DADI), was launched in Abuja on Thursday.

NCPWD Executive Secretary Ayuba Burki Gufwan, represented by Director of Planning, Research and Statistics Aliyu Agwai, emphasized the show's goal to shift societal perceptions of persons with disabilities from sympathy and charity to recognizing their abilities, talents, and potential for empowerment. The show, themed "Discovering Abilities in Disabilities," will serve as a platform to identify, nurture, and showcase the talents of 14 finalists, with two contestants from each of the six geopolitical zones and two more from the Federal Capital Territory.

They will reside together for 30 days, competing and learning from one another. Gufwan highlighted the backing of a N1 billion Ability Talent Fund, which will aid in talent development and provide post-show opportunities for the participants. Six sub-committees were inaugurated to handle various aspects of the show. The Contact and Mobilization Committee will reach out to talented persons with disabilities across the 36 states and FCT via disability organizations, NGOs, associations, and community leaders.

The Proposal and Partnership Committee will develop proposals, secure sponsorships, and maintain relationships with government entities, corporate organizations, and development partners. The Media and Publicity Committee will manage press engagements and campaigns through television, radio, online, and social media platforms. The Branding and Marketing Committee will oversee the show's brand identity, merchandise, and advertising.

The Logistics, Protocol and Entertainment Committee will manage venues, welfare, security, transportation, and event production, while the Inclusion and Compliance Committee will ensure accessibility through sign language interpretation, audio description, and disability-sensitive content. Steve Rodstick Ezeh, the founder of DADI and the show's initiator, stressed that persons with disabilities possess talents that can contribute to the creative industry.

He expressed hope that the reality show would promote self-reliance and advance the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.