The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has launched an empowerment program for millions of people living with disabilities across the country.
Also, a ten per cent inclusion of all humanitarian and social safety interventions for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) has also been included by the FG.
This will come from all Federal Government interventions and schemes of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
However, this information was disclosed by Dr Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in the launch of the empowerment Programme at the Art and Culture Conference Hall in Abuja.
She further stated that the scheme will cause a positive change as it would derive substantial benefits from all the programmes under the Ministry. This also extends to the End Hunger programme, Conditional Cash Transfer and N-power.
Furthermore, she commended the National Assembly for ensuring that PLWDs have a say in the affairs of the country through their legislations.
President Bola Tinubu, the Minister said, “does not see them as Persons With Disabilities’ but sees them as Persons with Special Abilities.”
She praised the President for his support by signing the African Charter on the Protection of the Rights of Persons living with Disabilities and subsequent appointments of Persons living with Disabilities into key positions in Government.
In her statement, she pointed out that, “Over the years, the voice of Persons With Disabilities could not be heard, they were silenced in all sectors, their brand was neglected, but the government of President Tinubu has brought hope alive to them,” she said.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at pulling 50 million Nigerians, including PLWDs, out of poverty within 42 months.”
The Minister also ensured that the Point of Sales (POS) machines and N100,000 operational capital to PLWDs were presented.
Edu further announced the sum of N130,000 as scholarship support to PLWDs in tertiary institutions across the country.
She also made a presentation of N20 million annual grant to the Association of Persons living with Disabilities in Nigeria.
James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities expressed delight that with Edu as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the hope of PLWDs will be renewed due to her passion and empathy for them.