A Non-Governmental Organization, Empower Persons with Disabilities Africa(PWDsA) last week put smiles on the faces of Persons With Disabilities when it gave out a mini business grant of the sum of ₦20,000 to each participants to help support their businesses.
The initiative is part of its Business Empowerment Programme for Orphans, Widows and Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8 of the United Nations.
The empowerment initiative was supported by Mr. Damilare Ademeso, a senior software engineer, during his birthday celebration last Saturday, 23rd April, 2022.
The Executive Director of Empower Persons With Disabilities, Abati- Sobulo Love said, this year the organization had put plans in place to empower business entrepreneurs with disabilities by engaging them in business administration trainings, brand visibility training using digital marketing as a tool to reach the global space and to support their businesses financially by giving them business grants. Fortunately, God brought Mr. Ademeso to achieve these set objectives for persons with disabilities. Sobulo praised Ademeso for his generous support.
PWDsA ED, Abati-Sobulo Love
The executive director went on to reiterate that the vision of the organization is to ensure that no persons with disabilities is left behind in social and digital inclusion but that they are given equal opportunities to succeed in all they dream to achieve in life.
While highlighting the giant strides and achievements of the Organization since inception in 2019, Miss. Sobulo noted that Empower PWDs Africa has been involved in numerous empowerment initiatives which includes, training over 200 Persons With Disabilities on digital skills both online and physically. Also their “Back To School” program for kids and teens with disabilities is geared towards supporting the educational pursuits of PWDs who are financially constrained but wants to go to school. Futhermore, their “Pad Them Up” program for PWDs, prepares the girl child for menstrual stage during puberty and personal hygiene.
Abati says, at Empower PWDs Africa, we advocate an all-round Inclusive society where everyone is included and no one is left behind. We hope to see a future where PWDs are involved in politics, education and government administrations. No one should be stigmatized or discriminated against based on his or her disability. Empower PWD Africa isn’t for Nigeria alone, it’s for all Africa. We are here to bridge the gap between PWDs and the rest of the people. The future is bright for PWDs.
“We are aware that the Nigerian Government has set the discrimination against PWDs (prohibition) act in place that will protect the rights of Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria. We look forward to it’s full implementation.
“PWDs should have opportunities to live in an inclusive society. They should have a right to inclusive employment, education and inclusive habitation with the right accessible features.
At Empower Persons With Disabilities Africa, we see a future that is secured for PWDs and we are happy to be part of this laudable cause “Inclusion has come to stay”.
Deaf beneficiary, Ogundare Odunlami Omolaja
A Deaf beneficiary of the business empowerment initiative, Ogundare Odunlami Omolaja thanked the organisers for the support. Odunlami, a telecom agent and entrepreneur, remarked that the cash donation will go a long way in improving her business further. She urged the organisers to do more so others who are yet to benefit from it can be reached.
While acknowledging the show of appreciation from the lucky beneficiaries, Abati-Sobulo Love called on Corporate bodies and individuals within and outside Nigeria to support the organization so it can do more.
“We want more individuals, corporate bodies, local and international organizations to partner with us so we can achieve this goal of empowering Persons With Disabilities in Africa – starting from Nigeria,” She said.