Plateau State has recorded a major step forward in inclusion and social empowerment as the Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Nigeria (LTR) trained and equipped 25 persons affected by leprosy with practical skills for self-reliance. The beneficiaries showcased their products at an exhibition held on March 19, 2026, under the project titled “Breaking Stigma Through Building Stories.”
The initiative, themed
“Empowerment of Persons Affected by Leprosy Through Art and Craft in Nigeria,” was implemented by LTR with support from Virtutis Opus Foundation through Netherlands Leprosy Relief. The programme focused on equipping participants with income-generating skills such as shoe making, bag production, belt crafting, photography, and cinematography, helping them transition from lives marked by stigma to ones defined by productivity and independence.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including the Governor of Plateau State, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, as well as officials from the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme and other health sector leaders. Cultural performances and a documentary highlighting the beneficiaries’ transformation added colour and depth to the occasion.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of LTR, Dr. Tahir Dahiru, the Head of Administration, Naomi Iye Idako, said the project is designed not only to provide skills but also to restore dignity and amplify the voices of persons affected by leprosy. She noted that each product displayed reflects courage, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose among the beneficiaries.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health described the initiative as transformative, noting that many beneficiaries are already using their skills to support their families and rebuild their lives. He stressed that leprosy should not be a basis for discrimination and called for a shift in societal attitudes. He also announced a ₦5 million support package to sustain the beneficiaries’ businesses and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure for better productivity and market access.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Markus Ali expressed gratitude to LTR and its partners for restoring their hope and confidence. He said the programme has given them a renewed sense of identity and the ability to provide for themselves and their families.
The exhibition concluded with the presentation of handcrafted items to government representatives and LTR leadership, symbolizing appreciation and the triumph of dignity over stigma. Stakeholders at the event emphasized that with the right support, persons affected by leprosy can overcome barriers and contribute meaningfully to society.
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