The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has made a significant impact on the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kano State, Nigeria, by distributing 40 tricycles and three specially modified motorbikes to support their mobility and productivity.
This initiative is part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a United Nations-designated day celebrated annually on December 3 to promote awareness of disability issues and uphold the rights and dignity of PWDs.
WOFAN’s Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, emphasized that this initiative showcases the power of ability in disability and aims to integrate PWDs into all aspects of life.
She explained that, the organization plans to distribute over 240 tricycles and additional customized motorbikes across its target states, which will be given to PWD leaders, facilitators, and trainers.
According to Dr. Salamatu, the project Is supported by the Mastercard Foundation under the WOFAN-ICON2 project, which aims to reduce poverty in Africa by empowering vulnerable groups.
The executive director hinted that, the partnership has already reached over 600,000 women and youth in Nigeria and plans to empower over 1.3 million vulnerable individuals in the next five years.
The Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Kano State branch, Malam Yahaya A. Yahaya, praised WOFAN for its long-standing support for PWDs.
He thanked Dr Salamatu for her tireless efforts in uplifting the lives of PWDs and urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support provided.
“We cannot thank WOFAN enough for their unwavering support. I urge my fellow PWDs to stop begging on the streets, embrace entrepreneurship, and enrol in schools to gain the knowledge that will improve their lives,” he said.
Also speaking, the District Head of Sharada, Alhaji Isyaku Ma’azu Sharada, encouraged beneficiaries to take good care of the tricycles and motorbikes. He also called on other organizations to emulate WOFAN’s efforts.
“What WOFAN is doing is what the government should be doing. We deeply appreciate their gesture and urge other NGOs to follow their example,” he said
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to WOFAN and the Mastercard Foundation, with one student, Safina Sani, stating that the modified motorbike will significantly ease her challenges in commuting to school.
Another beneficiary, Alhassan Abba, promised to take good care of the tricycle, which will improve his livelihood.
The Inuwar Mutanen Sharada Association honored WOFAN’s Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, with an Award of Excellence for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable individuals.
This initiative demonstrates WOFAN’s commitment to promoting disability inclusion and supporting PWDs in Nigeria.
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