Maryam Babangida Women's Centre installs first wheelchair ramp in 34 years

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development in Abuja has installed its first wheelchair-accessible ramp in its 34-year history. The Director-General, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, announced that the ramp was constructed by Julius Berger as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative at no cost to the government.

The project followed an accessibility audit conducted alongside the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Benjamins-Laniyi noted that the lack of access had previously required staff and board members to be physically lifted to reach upper levels. The new infrastructure allows persons with disabilities to enter and navigate the facility independently.

Beyond physical modifications, the Centre is working to mainstream disability inclusion through personnel advancement and technological upgrades. This includes rolling out new empowerment, research, and artificial intelligence programs through its six zonal offices, supported by partners such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the High Commission of India.