…Promises to Create Disability Enterprise Clusters
In a strong show of commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities, Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, pledged a substantial support of one billion naira to the Beyond Disability Project. This announcement was made on Monday at the Inter-Ministerial and Subnational Disability Awareness Summit, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Vice President Shettima emphasized that the Beyond Disability Project symbolizes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to empowering the 35.1 million Nigerians with disabilities. The summit also featured the unveiling of the Nigerian Persons With Disabilities Database (NPWDD) and the National Disability Trust Fund (NDTF).
“The Beyond Disability Project is more than an initiative; it is a testament to our government’s commitment to harnessing the talents of every Nigerian, particularly those with disabilities,” Dr. Ibrahim stated. She praised President Tinubu’s consistent efforts toward inclusivity, highlighting his establishment of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) during his tenure as governor.
She also noted that the President’s recent signing of the African Charter of Demands for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities underscores his ongoing commitment to their welfare.
“When Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa assumed office as SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, the vision was clear: empower PWDs. Today, we begin by empowering 5000 PWDs. This movement is crucial for everyone, as anyone can become disabled at any time. Creating an enabling environment for PWDs benefits us all,” Dr. Ibrahim added.
Shettima’s pledge of N1 billion to the Disability Trust Fund was underscored with a call for meticulous monitoring and supervision. The funding mechanism will involve the Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative on Youth Enterprise Clusters, aimed at building enterprise clusters for PWDs. “Your database is crucial for this initiative,” Dr. Ibrahim emphasized.
The Minister was visibly moved by the performances of talented PWDs, including musician Samuel Gabriel and saxophonist Phoenix, calling them “the next wonder of our generation.”
In his welcome address, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, highlighted the summit’s objective to raise awareness and tackle multifaceted issues facing the PWD community. He stressed the importance of reliable data for effective government planning and implementation of programs.
“The Beyond Disability Project aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to eradicate hunger and poverty, and promote financial prosperity and security, with a multiplier effect on the PWD community,” Abba Isa stated. He called for collaboration and support from Nigerians and development partners to achieve these goals.
Hon. Abba Isa also paid tribute to his benefactor, the late Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, whose support after a motor accident confined him to a wheelchair was instrumental in his journey.
The National Coordinator of the Beyond Disability Project, Mr. Stephen Rodstick, emphasized the significant contribution that fully harnessing the talents of Nigeria’s 35.1 million PWDs could make to the country’s GDP and IGR. The project plans to establish vocational centers across all states and the FCT, generating over 36,000 employment opportunities for PWDs.
Mr. Rodstick urged the government, private sector, and development partners to support the project to reduce poverty and create wealth.
Goodwill messages from the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, and the Chief Imam of Ansarmasjid Maiduguri, Mallam Goni Usman, called for empathy towards the vulnerable and less privileged.
Dr. Bashir Dawodu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability, assured that the National Assembly would continue to create inclusive laws.
The summit, attended by a large crowd, featured spectacular performances by PWDs and honored distinguished advocates of disability inclusion, including Dr. Mrs. Adenike Tejuosho and Queen Irene Onwuka.
The event marked a significant step forward in Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive society, demonstrating the government’s dedication to empowering persons with disabilities and recognizing their invaluable contributions.
