Zamfara celebrates International PWD’S Day for the first time, supported 250 with 200,000 each

From Babangida Abdullahi, Gusau

Senator Oluremi Tinubu has launched Persons with Disabilities support given to 250 beneficiaries in Gusau.

The first lady said, the program is part of Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities, under RHI Social Investment Programme.

Senator Oluremi represented by Zamfara State first lady Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal said, the economic empowerment has special significance as it coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and is being launched simultaneously across the 36 States of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA).

“Our nation grows stronger when every individual is empowered to contribute meaningfully. As Helen Keller, the renowned American disability rights advocate, once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” These words remind us that a truly inclusive society is built when we stand together, creating opportunities that empower everyone to contribute their unique gifts to our collective progress. The first lady said.

The Renewed Hope Initiative will provide the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) Business Re-capitalization Grants to two hundred and fifty (250) Persons with Disabilities in each State and the Federal Capital Territory to support small business owners to re-capitalize their existing businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood.

She also said, each state of the federation, the FCT and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association will each receive fifty million naira (N50,000,000), to be distributed to the beneficiaries in their domain.

“In total, nine thousand, five hundred (9,500) Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from this programme, amounting to One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000). Senator Oluremi said.

Oluremi said, the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed 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.

“It is worth noting that, over the past two years, the Renewed Hope Initiative has supported over one hundred thousand (100,000) 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. The first lady said.

“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.

The Zamfara State Board Chairman of Persons with Disabilities, Alhaji Usman Ahmad Nahudu said, the International Day of Person with Disabilities was slated for recognition of PWD’S talent.

“Please, I’m sorry, because I’m confused this is the first time we have the present of Governor’s wife in our gathering. The PWD’S Chairman said.