From our reporter
The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLM Nig.) has presented start-up kits to 30 people affected by leprosy and persons with disability in Kebbi.
The 30 beneficiaries underwent six months skills acquisition training under a project, tagged: “Resilience Disability Inclusion Project (REDIP Project)”.
The programme was organised by TLM Nig. in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as well as Ministry of Health.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony held at the College of Nursing, Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Halima Kamba, lauded the efforts of TLM Nig. for encouraging people with leprosy and persons with disability to stand on their feet.
The commissioner, who was represented by Director, Social Welfare in the ministry, Alhaji Halilu Abubakar, described the gesture as not only commendable but a complementary role of government.
She charged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, insisting that the start-up kits are not meant for sale but to improve their livelihood and stop them from depending on others.
Alhaji Yunusa Musa-Isma’il, Commissioner for Health, represented by Alhaji Shehu Auta-Gele, said the ministry was opposed to any discrimination against people living with leprosy and other disabilities.
While encouraging the beneficiaries to guard the items against any form of mishandling, the commissioner observed that it was just the beginning of many good things to come to Kebbi, if they make effective and efficient use of the opportunity.
The head of Human Resources and Administration, TLM Nig. headquarters, Abuja, Mrs Faith Orowo-Steven said REDIP project was introduced with the sole purpose of meeting the needs of people living with disability and people with leprosy.
She explained that the project was targeting children between the ages of 15 and 25, lamenting that in Nigeria today, people living with disability and persons with leprosy face lot of discrimination.
“So, this project is in a bit to curb all of that and bring them to a more inclusive society whereby they are part of the society in all ramification because we find a situation where these people are being neglected, they always have to rely on their families and relatives for their source of livelihood.
“REDIP project is initiated to support them to become independent and possibly employers of labour,” she said.
Orowo-Steven noted with satisfaction that each of the participants understood why he/she was chosen to undergo skills training in different trades to transform his/her life, adding that the trades included computer, carpentering, tailoring, welding and aluminum work.
According to her, the project, which kick started in the state in four communities of Dalijan, Kangiwa, Argungu and Zuru, is designed to achieve lasting change in the lives of population of the chosen communities.
She said the major focus for now would be on women and young persons to enable them take responsibility for their own lives.
Earlier, the TML Nig. Officer in Kebbi state, Mr Emmanuel Yakubu, said apart from the start-up kits the organisation would pay one year rent and provide furniture for each of the beneficiaries, insisting that they will continue to monitor the activities of beneficiaries to ensure continuity.
He appealed to the beneficiaries to take maximum advantage of the project by working hard to become employers of labour and to pave way for others to benefit.
Yakubu gave the breakdown of the 30 beneficiaries in different trades as 21 persons learnt tailoring, five persons welding, two persons computer and two others aluminum work.
