By Ayo Lasisi,
A non Governmental Organisation, NGO known as Hope Builders For The Physically Challenged Foundation, HBFPCF has organised an event for Persons with Disabilities, PWDs in Lagos State.
The event was aimed at showcasing what PWDs can do as Micro, Small and Medium Enterpreneurs, MSMEs.
The event which had its Theme”Building A Strong Future Together” played host to PWDs as well as the Business Community.
Sponsor of the event, Mrs. Uche Nwuka, Group Head, Creative Industry of the Bank of Industry, BOI reiterated the commitment of the agency to continue to support the business community in the country.
“We have been supporting businesses in the manufacturing industry and we will continue to do so,” she said.
One of the attendees of the event, Dr. Christiana Kehinde Akinrinmade, an entrepreneur, said in her welcome address that the event was organised to showcase and tell the success story of PWDs in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs.
“We are here to celebrate our skills and to tell the world that we are industrious and productive.
“Our challenge as PWDs is a strength for us because our obstacles never hold us back from getting to our destination.
“Disability should not become liability which is why we’ll continue to contribute our quota to the growth of our country” she stated.
Again, sponsor of the event, Mrs. Uche Nwuka said Dr. Christiana was someone with a lot of prospect.“My first contact with Dr. Christiana was at BOI office Marina, Lagos.
As someone with visual impairment, she made beautiful shoes and we saw a lot of prospect in her. This informed our decision to work with her.” I can tell you for free that our interest rate at BOI is the cheapest in Nigeria and Africa.
Apart from funding, we also render financial support, but there are certain conditions that must be met to make anyone qualify,” she added.
Participants had robust opportunity to ask financial related questions from the financial expert, as attendees had enough room to network.
The event was attended by highly skilled personnel in craft works such as beads and soap making, mat weaving, clothing and furniture designs amongst others.
