In a groundbreaking effort to address the lingering challenge of street begging and promote inclusive economic empowerment, the North East Development Commission (NEDC), in collaboration with the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, has empowered 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs) with vocational skills and a robust ₦44 million start-up capital.
The empowerment initiative, which was celebrated with fanfare in Bauchi, represents a strategic shift from one-off palliatives to long-term solutions that restore dignity, foster self-reliance, and unlock the economic potential of persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, ably represented by the Head of Civil Service, Barrister Muhammad Sani Umar, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
“This initiative goes beyond vocational training; it is a strategic, people-focused intervention that seeks to break the cycle of poverty and end street begging among persons with disabilities,” Barr. Umar stated. “Our goal is to create an enabling environment where PWDs can thrive, contribute meaningfully to the economy, and live with dignity.”
He further revealed that the Bauchi State Government has ensured that persons with special needs who applied for the state’s 2025 civil service recruitment exercise will be given due consideration, reflecting a broader plan to embed disability inclusion in all state programs.
The North East Development Commission (NEDC), through its Assistant Manager of Logistics and Stabilisation, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, emphasized that the Commission remains committed to supporting vulnerable groups, particularly PWDs, by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to rebuild their lives and become economically self-sufficient.
“Our approach to stabilisation goes beyond post-conflict recovery. It includes identifying the most vulnerable, such as persons with disabilities, and building their capacity to lead productive lives. Empowering them is not just a development goal—it is a moral duty,” Sadiq said.
In a heartfelt address, the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Brisca Joram Aaron, praised Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration for being a true friend of the disability community. She commended the NEDC for its consistent partnership and called on the beneficiaries to seize this opportunity not just to transform their own lives but also to inspire and impact their communities.
“This empowerment is not just about capital—it is about courage. It is about telling every person with a disability in Bauchi and beyond that they matter, that they have potential, and that they have a place in the society and economy of this state,” Aaron said passionately.
Beneficiaries of the programme received hands-on training in various vocational fields, including tailoring, shoemaking, catering, soap production, and phone repair, among others. Each participant was also equipped with start-up kits and a share of the ₦44 million capital to launch their businesses.
As applause filled the air and faces beamed with gratitude, one thing became clear: this initiative marks a new dawn for persons with disabilities in Bauchi State—a dawn of hope, empowerment, and inclusive progress.
With more of such collaborations between development agencies and state institutions, the vision of a society where no one is left behind, especially those with disabilities, is not only possible—it is already in motion.
