The Federal Government built the capacity of 30 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across the six states in the North East Zone on entrepreneurship skills.
Our correspondent reports that the 30 participants, with five drawn from each of the six states and their guides making 60 people attended the capacity building. The states include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe Hajiya Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD) at the opening ceremony of the 2 days of capacity building for PWDs on Monday said was aimed at empowering their independent life. Farouq said the difficulties associated with making adjustments to functional limitations caused by visual impairment can result in feelings and frustration at having to be over-reliant on support from others.
“This in most cases lead to psychological trauma such as anxiety, stress and even depression which may unfortunately their self-esteem,” she said.
The Minister, represented by Mrs Nkechi Nwukwe, the Director, Special Needs, the ministry, said President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to achieving the national objective of poverty reduction, increasing resilience, promoting equity and stimulating economic growth. “The training is to enable PWDs in exploring greater possibilities in our collective quest to combat the challenges confronting the advancements of Persons with Disabilities for sustainable development. “This government is mindful of the importance of disability as a development issue.
“The commitment to addressing some of these challenges and timely response to other humanitarian issues informed the creation of the ministry,” Farouq said.
The minister urged participants to be active in confronting the challenges of disability with determination, courage and confidence. She however implores the beneficiaries to maximize the opportunities of the workshop to improve their livelihood and also contribute their quota to nation-building.
Also Speaking, Mr Bashir Alkali Permanent Secretary of the Ministry represented by Mr Hassan Madugu Assistant Director, head of Braille Center Bauchi said the expected outcome of the programme is to enhance the confidence and capacity of the PWDs to be independent. He urged the participants to avail themselves of the opportunity to independently run their day to day activities.
In her remark, Mrs Briska Aaron, Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for persons with disabilities Commended FG for the Programme that would encourage PWDs to self-reliance and have a sense of belonging. She called on FG under the Humanitarian affairs ministry to step up social investment Programmes, such as N-power, soft loans among others.
