April 14, (THEWILL) – The European Union has pledged €1.5 million (approximately N2.7 billion) to support inclusive education and vocational training for vulnerable populations across seven local government areas in Borno and Yobe states.
The initiative, implemented through a partnership led by the Christian Blind Mission aims to promote livelihood opportunities and income diversification for people with disabilities, women, and other marginalised groups in the region.
Speaking at the official launch of the project in Maiduguri, CBM’s Country Programme Manager, Michael Idah, said the five-year intervention would focus on four LGAs in Borno—Shani, Biu, Hawul, and Kwaya-Kusar—and three in Yobe—Bade, Nguru, and Nangere.
“We aim to enhance access to inclusive education, equip beneficiaries with vocational skills, and promote equal access to development and livelihood services.”
Idah noted that the initiative is aligned with Nigeria’s policies promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, including access to health, education, and employment.
According to him, the project seeks to achieve three key objectives: equipping persons with disabilities with income-generating vocational skills, strengthening their capacity to advocate for inclusion, and providing assistive devices to improve their mobility and participation in society.
Also speaking, CBM’s Country Humanitarian Technical Specialist, Guar Godwill, emphasised the project’s partnership-driven approach.
“We are adopting a collaborative strategy with local stakeholders. In Borno State, we’re working with Women in the New Nigeria (WINN), and in Yobe, with Taimako Community Development Initiative (TCDI),” Guar said.
He added that government ministries—including those of Education and Women Affairs—as well as the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, will play a central role in the project’s success.
Rejoice John, Acting Programme Manager of WINN, noted that the project is funded by the German government and CBM International, in partnership with WINN and TCDI.
The project comes as part of broader efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate communities in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northeast, where years of insurgency have left many vulnerable populations without access to basic services.
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