Kenechukwu Ofomah
Awka
250 Persons Living With Disabilities, PWDs, in Anambra were on Wednesday handed the sum of N200,000 each, to recapitalize their existing small businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood.
The distribution was made during a ceremony at the Light House, Awka, to mark the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs, in commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
The event is being launched simultaneously across the 36 States of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Police Officers’ Wives Association, which will see a total of 9,500 PWDs across Nigeria benefit, get a total of one billion, nine hundred million naira.
The states, the FCT, and the POWA will get N50 million each to disburse as Business Recapitalization Grants to two hundred and fifty PWDs.
Speaking during the event, the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.
Senator Tinubu, represented by the Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, through the wife of the state deputy Governor, Lady Oluchi Ibezim, revealed that the over the past two years, the RHI has supported over one hundred thousand women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, with direct financial grants to grow their businesses.
“Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country.
“Our Social Investment Programmes have provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as to the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes. Through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, we have so far delivered food items to 22 States and the FCT. We also provide food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable communities. We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need.
“In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be held on December 3rd, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she said.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike said the ceremony demonstrates the commitment of the Anambra First Lady to ensuring that Anambra people are not denied any economic empowerment programme from the federal government.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the empowerment to better their lives, reminding them that the funds can become a seed that will produce sources of livelihood for them when properly appropriated.
On her part, the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo said the show of love by the Nigerian first lady reinforces the call on PWDs to continue to strive to achieve their life ambitions, irrespective of whatever physical disability they may be having.
In a goodwill message, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke appreciated the implementation of financial support to PWDs, which he described as a compassionate programme of Senator Tinubu effectively implemented in the state by the governor’s wife.
He noted that the gesture will open doors to many live-saving ventures, strengthen resilience and empower families.
“We want to express our gratitude to Her Excellencies for continuously including PWDS in her numerous programmes
“I encourage our members who are getting this support to demonstrate through their actions, that empowerment yields impact when used responsibly
“We affirm our commitment to partnering with the state government towards building an inclusive society where no one is left behind,” Okeke affirmed.
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