The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has unveiled an ambitious initiative to provide low-interest loans of up to N1 billion from the Bank of Industry to individuals living with disabilities nationwide. Dr. Betty Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, announced this groundbreaking program during the launch held at the Arts and Culture Conference Hall in Abuja.
As part of the initiative, the federal government has initiated training programs for individuals with disabilities, focusing on business development and registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission. This training aims to equip them with the necessary skills to access the substantial loan facility offered by the Bank of Industry.
Dr. Edu emphasized that the primary objective of this initiative is to not only boost the businesses of individuals with disabilities but also to contribute to job creation throughout the country. The government’s shift towards empowering this segment of the population reflects a commitment to fostering self-sufficiency and enabling them to become valuable contributors to society.
“We want to teach you how to fish; we are no longer giving you fish. We want to empower you to be useful to yourself and society and remain good ambassadors of this nation,” the minister articulated, emphasizing the government’s focus on sustainable empowerment.
As a key component of the empowerment program, Dr. Edu distributed point-of-sale (POS) machines and provided N100,000 in operational capital to beneficiaries. Additionally, she announced a significant sum of N130,000 as scholarship support for individuals with disabilities pursuing tertiary education across the country. This scholarship support reflects the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive access to education for all citizens.
To further underscore its dedication to the welfare of persons living with disabilities, the federal government presented an annual grant of N20 million to the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in Nigeria. This financial support aims to strengthen the organizational capacity of the association, enabling them to better advocate for the rights and interests of their members.
In a move towards broader inclusivity, Dr. Edu disclosed that the Federal Government has officially sanctioned a ten percent inclusion for persons living with disabilities in all federal government interventions and schemes managed by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This inclusive approach demonstrates a concerted effort to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities across various government initiatives.
“This program is not merely about assisting in empowering individuals to take charge of their lives, pursue their dreams, and meaningfully contribute to our nation’s progress, but it is in line with Mr. President’s vision of leaving no one behind in this great work of development,” highlighted the minister, emphasizing the alignment of the initiative with the overarching vision of national development.
As the government takes bold steps to empower and uplift persons living with disabilities, the impact of these comprehensive measures is poised to create a positive ripple effect, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for all. InfoStride News remains committed to bringing you the latest updates on such transformative initiatives that shape the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria.
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