December 20, (THEWILL) – The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Sokoto State, has distributed various startup tools to support the socio-economic independence of persons with disabilities.
The organisation’s programme manager, Mr Jerry Ameh, while presenting the tools to the beneficiaries, said the gesture is in line to promote self-reliance and independence among persons with disabilities in Sokoto State.
Mr Jerry said the gesture is aimed to enable them to initiate or expand their own businesses, thereby reducing their dependence on others and street begging.
He added that the organisation does not only empower persons with disabilities but also sees them as an important segment of society free of stigmatisation.
According to him, “Our organisation is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
“We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a dignified and independent life.”
Earlier, the Sokoto state chairman of non-governmental Organisations, Comrade Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, described the effort of the leprosy mission as commendable and generous
He also applauded the way the organisation has been supporting persons with disabilities in Sokoto and beyond.
Gwadabawa noted that despite neglecting persons with disabilities in society saying, “The Leprosy Mission Nigeria has been playing a pivotal role in carrying them along.”
Also speaking, Hajiya Amina Abubakar Kaoje, who heads the Sokoto State Agency for Disabilities, said the TLM gesture would complement the effort of the state government in catering for people living with disability in the state.
She acknowledged the gesture of the organisation, praising its commitment to alleviating poverty among vulnerable people within the state.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Fatima Muhammad, thanked the organisation for the gesture and promised to make effective use of the empowerment given to them.
The items distributed include sewing machines, knitting machines, phone repair equipment, grinding machines, and other essential tools.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
