Set to Showcase Business Products on August 24th
AKURE, NIGERIA — In a progressive move to enhance the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ondo State, the government, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has partnered with Project Enable Africa (PEA) to initiate a comprehensive Business Support Program and Training for PWDs. The program, which spans five days, commenced on August 19, 2024, at the Office of Gender Matters in Sijuwade, Akure, and is aimed at equipping PWD entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
Government’s Commitment to Inclusion
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender Matters, Chief Mrs. Olamide Falana, emphasized the state government’s dedication to fostering an inclusive society during the opening ceremony of the training. She highlighted that Ondo State is committed to gender sensitivity and inclusion, particularly in supporting the vulnerable and ensuring their integration into all aspects of society.
“We believe in the strength that you all possess and in the contributions you can make to society,” Mrs. Falana remarked. “When a government prioritizes gender and inclusion issues, it ensures a balanced implementation of programs that benefit everyone, including the most vulnerable.”
Mrs. Falana further noted the state’s efforts in creating employment opportunities for PWDs, assuring participants that more opportunities would be forthcoming. She encouraged them to make the most of the training, urging them to ensure that the products they develop meet current market trends to attract potential buyers during the upcoming exhibition.
Empowering PWD Entrepreneurs
The initiative is powered by Project Enable Africa, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the inclusion of PWDs. Micheal Ojediran, Programs Lead of PEA, outlined the project’s objectives, which focus on equipping PWD entrepreneurs with critical business skills to enhance their ventures. He expressed satisfaction with the participants’ commitment, noting that the training aims to upskill 20 PWD entrepreneurs, who will then showcase their businesses and products at an exhibition scheduled for August 24th.
“This is our first entry into Ondo State, and we look forward to replicating this program on a larger scale in the future,” Ojediran stated. He also announced that each participant would receive a seed capital grant from the organization, marking the start of potentially transformative changes for these entrepreneurs.
A Platform for Visibility and Growth
Ademibolanle Ajijala, Advocacy Lead of PEA, provided insights into the training’s structure, which includes sessions on financial management, business models, funding sources, and legal rights and obligations. The final phase of the program will be the exhibition, where the participants will present their products, demonstrating that individuals with disabilities can thrive as entrepreneurs.
“With or without a disability, an individual can succeed,” Ajijala said. She emphasized that this initiative is not just about charity but about empowering PWDs to overcome economic challenges and integrate fully into society.
Ajijala expressed gratitude to the Ondo State government for its support and called on the public to attend the exhibition on August 24th, to support the participants and witness the fruits of their hard work.
Looking Forward
As the program draws to a close, the Ondo State government and Project Enable Africa remain committed to fostering a more inclusive environment for PWDs. The exhibition, which will feature the presentation of participation certificates and the disbursement of one million naira in grants to participants, is expected to be a significant event, showcasing the potential of PWD entrepreneurs in the state.
This partnership marks a pivotal step towards greater inclusion and empowerment for PWDs in Ondo State, setting a precedent for other states to follow. The collaboration between the government and organizations like PEA underscores the importance of continuous support and the provision of opportunities that enable all citizens, regardless of their abilities, to contribute meaningfully to society.
