By Chukwunyere Kelsey Nwosu | Inclusive News Network
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken a significant step toward inclusive economic development by empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through a targeted poultry production programme in Abuja.
The initiative, carried out by the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) through the Department of Animal Husbandry Services, was held on April 17, 2026, at the Bwari Area Council Secretariat. The programme aligns with the FCTA’s ongoing efforts to integrate Persons with Disabilities into mainstream agricultural value chains while strengthening food security across the territory.
Approximately 10 participants benefited from the training and empowerment exercise, which combined technical knowledge with practical guidance on establishing and managing poultry enterprises.
At the centre of the programme was Mrs. Ngozi Success Mbaka, an amputee and the immediate past Acting Director of Animal Husbandry Services, who facilitated the session. Drawing from her dual experience as a registered animal scientist and practising livestock farmer, she delivered a comprehensive presentation on modern poultry production systems.
She emphasized that despite years of government interventions in agriculture, Persons with Disabilities have often been excluded from meaningful participation. According to her, the programme was designed not only to provide training but also to address that imbalance.
“Disability does not limit ability,” she stressed, noting that her success in livestock farming serves as proof that Persons with Disabilities can thrive when given the right opportunities.
The training covered critical aspects of poultry farming, including sourcing healthy chicks, maintaining proper housing and ventilation, enforcing strict biosecurity measures, and efficiently managing feed and water. Participants were also guided on disease prevention, early detection of illnesses, and the importance of avoiding overcrowding in poultry operations.
Beyond technical instruction, the session created an opportunity for participants to share the real challenges affecting their businesses. High feed costs, expensive day-old chicks, and limited production space were identified as major barriers to profitability. Facilitators responded with practical strategies focused on resource management and gradual expansion.
The programme also reflects broader policy shifts within the FCTA, including the establishment of Disability Desk Units across secretariats to ensure that Persons with Disabilities are not left behind in government interventions.
Stakeholders say initiatives like this are critical to reducing poverty and improving economic independence among Persons with Disabilities, particularly in sectors like agriculture that offer scalable opportunities.
The event concluded on an optimistic note, with participants encouraged to apply the knowledge gained and build sustainable poultry ventures. There were also calls for the government and development partners to expand such programmes and ensure consistent support through training, funding, and access to inputs.
For many attendees, the programme marked more than just a training exercise — it signalled recognition, inclusion, and a pathway to economic participation.
As inclusive development gains momentum in Nigeria, initiatives like this highlight a clear reality: when structural barriers are addressed, Persons with Disabilities are not just beneficiaries — they are contributors to growth and national development.
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