In a bid to promote self-reliance and independence among persons with disabilities, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria ( TLM) has distributed various startup tools to support their social economic empowerment.
The organization donated sewing machines, knitting machines, phone repair equipment, and other essential tools to individuals with disabilities in Sokoto State.
The state program manager, Mr Amerh Jerry, said that the gesture aims to enable them to start or expand their own businesses, thereby reducing their dependence on others and street begging.
He said the organisation does not only empower persons with disabilities but see them as an important segment of the society free of stigmatisation.
“Our organization is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a dignified and independent life.”
Also speaking, the Sokoro state chairman, Non Governmental Organizations, Comrade Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, described the effort of the leprosy mission as fantastic.
He also applauded the way the organisation has been supporting persons with disabilities in Sokoto and beyond.
Gwadabawa noted that despite the neglect of persons with disabilities in society, TLM has been playing a pivotal role in carrying them along.
One of the beneficiaries, Fatima Muhammad, thanked the organisation and promised to make effective use of the empowerment.
Acknowledging the gesture, the overseer of the agency for people with disability, Hajiya Amina Abubakar Kaoje said TLM gesture has complimented the effort of the state government in catering for people with disability.