The Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Hon. Dr. Adebayo Benjamins-Laniyi, has issued a deliberate call to action, urging women with disabilities in the FCT to actively participate in the ‘Every Home A Garden’ competition. This appeal was made during a press briefing that focused on encouraging women across the FCT to engage in this national initiative.
Responding to a question on the inclusion of women with disabilities in the competition, Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi emphasized that the initiative would be fully accessible to all, including women with disabilities. “As a department, we hold dearly women with disabilities. I don’t believe in pity, and I am not going to accord them any pity in regards to this competition, but the process would be seamless for them to join the competition,” she stated.
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi reaffirmed the department’s commitment to disability inclusion, noting that this is why they have appointed a desk officer on disability, who is also a person with a disability, to ensure that women with disabilities are fully integrated into the competition and other activities of the department. This proactive approach underscores the FCTA’s dedication to making sure that the ‘Every Home A Garden’ competition is inclusive and accessible to all women, regardless of their physical abilities.
Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusion
In her remarks, Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi promised that future briefings related to this initiative would include sign language interpretation. Moreover, all information disseminated about the project will be provided in accessible formats, ensuring that no one is left behind. She stressed the importance of this initiative being truly inclusive, reflecting the broader commitment of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’ to include persons with disabilities in all activities.
The competition is part of a national effort initiated by the First Lady, targeting women across Nigeria to set up home gardens not just for ornamental purposes, but to grow vegetables, fruits, and other food items. Participants are required to submit a 30-second video showcasing their garden by the deadline of September 25, 2024, with the winner receiving a grand prize of N20 million by December, 2024.
Encouraging Participation Among Women with Disabilities
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi encouraged women with disabilities to actively engage in the competition by setting up their gardens and participating fully. She advised them to visit the Women Affairs Department at Area 10, Garki, Abuja, to register for the competition, prepare their 30 seconds video, and submit it for consideration.
This call to action underscores the importance of including women with disabilities in all aspects of the competition, recognizing their potential to contribute to food security and economic well-being through gardening.
A Broader Commitment to Inclusion
This inclusive approach is consistent with the broader goals of the ‘Renewed Hope Initiative’ under the leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The initiative has consistently prioritized the inclusion of persons with disabilities in its activities, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to participate and benefit from various empowerment programs.
The ‘Every Home A Garden’ competition, beyond its immediate goals of promoting home gardening and enhancing food security, is also a platform for empowering women economically and fostering community engagement. By encouraging women with disabilities to participate, the FCTA is taking a significant step towards ensuring that this initiative is truly inclusive, offering all women in the FCT the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from this national movement.
The commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and the seamless participation of women with disabilities in the competition reflects the FCTA’s broader mission to promote the socio-economic well-being of all its residents, regardless of their physical abilities. As the September 25 deadline approaches, the FCTA is urging all women, including those with disabilities, to take part in this transformative initiative.
