As part of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at tackling hunger and poverty by ensuring food security among vulnerable populations, especially Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, officially launched the distribution of food palliatives across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The flag-off ceremony took place on Thursday at the Karu Local Government Secretariat in Nasarawa State, starting with the North-Central zone. Over 500 PWDs received bags of rice and cash support.
Hon. Abba Isa highlighted that the initiative, led by his office, aims to support at least 500 PWD households by providing essential food supplies. He commended Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for his dedication to improving the lives of PWDs, noting the governor’s recent establishment of a State Commission for Persons With Disabilities and the appointment of two Special Assistants on disability.
The distribution will continue across the remaining geopolitical zones, starting with the North-East and North-West before moving to the Southern regions. A committee was established to ensure a seamless exercise, working with local government officials, traditional and religious institutions, civil society, and Organizations of Persons With Disabilities to identify beneficiaries. The North-East, affected by Boko Haram insurgency, will target around 1,000 beneficiaries due to the high number of PWDs and vulnerable groups.
Hon. Abba Isa also announced the upcoming Beyond Disability Project, aimed at empowering PWDs through talent and skill development, and the creation of a comprehensive database of PWDs in Nigeria to better understand their needs and track progress.
Representatives from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), praised Hon. Abba Isa for his leadership and commitment to alleviating the suffering of PWDs. Local government and community leaders expressed their support and readiness to partner on initiatives improving the welfare of PWDs.
The event underscored the administration’s dedication to promoting social inclusion and reducing food insecurity among Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring no one is left behind.