Kano, Nigeria – In a powerful show of inclusion, empowerment, and possibility, the ancient city of Kano played host to a transformative gathering as Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, convened a special edition of its Forum for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The event, which brought together persons with disabilities, government officials, civil society advocates, and industry experts, was designed to break down barriers to employment and entrepreneurship for one of Nigeria’s most marginalized communities. For participants like Binta Abdulahi Usman, the forum was not just another training—it was a bold affirmation of worth and capability.
“Our disability is only in our body, not in our minds,” she told reporters with palpable confidence. “From this program, I’ve learned that we can do anything we put our minds to if we have the right tools and opportunity.”
Held in the heart of Kano, the Jobberman Forum served as a safe and stimulating platform for learning, networking, and vision building. Attendees were exposed to real-world skills, job readiness training, entrepreneurship tips, and personal mentorship sessions—key ingredients needed to navigate Nigeria’s competitive job market and business ecosystem.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Binta Bala (PhD), Director of the Department of Persons with Disabilities at the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and the Disabled. Her message was clear, strong, and inspiring: accessibility must no longer be a matter of goodwill—it must be policy.
“Accessibility design must no longer be optional; it must be mandatory,” she emphasized. “By investing in accessible vocational and skills training, we can empower persons with disabilities with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
Dr. Bala called for stronger collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that empowerment becomes institutionalized, not episodic. She praised Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation for championing inclusive development and challenging stereotypes that often define disability in Nigeria.
Adding a political voice of support, Hajia Sadiya Abdu Bichi, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Women, Children and the Disabled, delivered a goodwill message that resonated deeply with attendees. She reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to support more initiatives tailored to PWDs.
“We are proud of programs like this that recognize the talents and resilience of persons with disabilities. As a state, we will continue to support inclusive policies and initiatives that leave no one behind,” she stated.
One of the forum’s high points was a thought-provoking panel session moderated by disability inclusion advocate Fatima Nasir. The panel featured a dynamic mix of voices from the disability community, including Engr. Musa Shaga, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Kano State; Hajiya Mariya Ishaq of the Albino Foundation; and Hussaina Umar, Deputy Director of the Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disabled.
The discussion ranged from barriers to education and job access to the stigma still prevalent in some communities. Engr. Shaga emphasized the importance of mentorship and peer support, while Hajiya Mariya highlighted the need for early intervention and inclusive policies in education. Hussaina Umar urged organizations to involve PWDs directly in the design and implementation of programs meant for them.
Another major highlight was the Entrepreneurship Workshop led by David Okoroafor, Program Officer at Sightsavers, who engaged participants with practical insights into how to start and grow a business, even with limited resources.
“Don’t give up,” he encouraged. “Try to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Starting a business is difficult, but it is also fun. With time and persistence, your dream can become a source of income, dignity, and employment for others.”
Throughout the event, participants were taken through personalized career and business advisory sessions where they received feedback on CVs, business ideas, and possible training opportunities. Some participants were even linked to mentorship programs and job platforms managed by Jobberman Nigeria.
The Kano edition of the Forum for Persons with Disabilities is part of Jobberman Nigeria’s larger mission to reduce unemployment across the country—not only by linking job seekers to employers, but by ensuring everyone, regardless of physical ability, is equipped with the confidence, skills, and resources to succeed.
“This is not just about jobs; it is about justice, dignity, and equal opportunity,” said a representative of Jobberman Nigeria. “We are deeply committed to empowering persons with disabilities, and this Forum is proof that inclusive development is possible when everyone is involved.”
As the curtains closed on the day’s event, the energy in the room was unmistakable. Faces once uncertain were now lit with determination. Business cards were exchanged, WhatsApp groups were formed, and ideas were already being born.
For Kano’s community of persons with disabilities, the Jobberman Forum wasn’t just a meeting—it was a movement. A movement reminding every participant that ability, not disability, is the true measure of human potential.
