By Chukwunyere Kelsey Nwosu (INN)
The Inclusive Skills Development Initiative (ISDI) has launched its flagship Laptop and Phone Repair Training Programme for persons with disabilities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in a move aimed at promoting economic empowerment and self-reliance among participants.
The programme, spearheaded by ISDI’s Executive Director, Angelina Ugben, is designed to equip persons with disabilities with practical technical skills in laptop and mobile phone repairs, enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to society.
To ensure wider participation and accessibility, the training is being conducted across four Area Councils of the FCT—Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje. The initiative seeks to provide beneficiaries with hands-on experience and entrepreneurial opportunities within the growing technology repair sector.
The official launch took place at the Palace of the Sa’Karuyi of Karu Community in AMAC. Prior to the commencement of the training, the ISDI team, volunteers, and participants paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Joseph Danfulani Narai, JP, who welcomed the initiative and offered his blessings for its success. The palace is also serving as one of the designated training centres for the programme.
Speaking during the launch, Angelina Ugben expressed appreciation to the Ford Foundation for its support in making the project a reality. She also commended the commitment of facilitators, volunteers, and stakeholders whose contributions were instrumental to the successful rollout of the programme.
Ugben noted that the initiative reflects ISDI’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion through skills acquisition and economic empowerment. According to her, equipping persons with disabilities with marketable skills remains critical to reducing unemployment and enhancing their participation in national development.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), FCT Chapter, Joseph Kaura Zamwawosayi, praised ISDI for creating opportunities that enable persons with disabilities to acquire practical vocational skills. He described the programme as a pathway to financial independence and community development.
As part of its broader empowerment agenda, Ugben announced that ISDI will launch an online digital skills training programme in August 2026. The initiative is expected to benefit about 500 persons with disabilities, providing training in digital and business-related competencies, including computer hardware systems, power supply units, and Central Processing Units (CPUs).
Beneficiaries of the programme expressed gratitude to ISDI, the Ford Foundation, and partner organisations for providing them with an opportunity to acquire life-changing skills. They noted that the training would enhance their employability, improve their income prospects, and strengthen their capacity for independent living.
The launch of the Laptop and Phone Repair Training Programme underscores the importance of investing in the talents and potential of persons with disabilities. Through initiatives such as this, ISDI continues to champion inclusive development and create pathways for greater economic participation and social inclusion across Nigeria.
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