By Olalekan Ola
In a move to enhance the livelihood of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Osun State, the State Government, in collaboration with Project Enable, has empowered PWDs with a sum of N4 million.
The Project 8Enable Africa in collaboration with Libra Philanthropies supported the program with a sum of 1 million Naira while the Osun state government corroborates the initiative with 3 million Naira.
The empowerment programme, which took place at a ceremony held at Abeere, is aimed to support PWDs in expanding their businesses.
The five-day workshop covers a wide range of topics essential for aspiring entrepreneurs, including business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and access to funding opportunities.
The participants will receive mentorship and guidance from experienced business professionals, providing them with valuable insights and support as they embark on their entrepreneurial activities.
Some of the beneficiaries who are into web designing, coding and graphics designs, were empowered with brand new laptops to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.
Speaking, the commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment, Prince Bayo Ogungbangbe emphasised the importance of judicious utilisation of the funds received by the beneficiaries. He encouraged them to invest in viable business that would not only sustain them but also create job opportunities for others in their communities.
“The empowerment of PWD as entrepreneurs aligns with the broader agenda of Governor Adeleke in promoting sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in Osun State.”
Ogungbangbe noted that another phase of the empowerment programme is in the pipeline, targeting another set of PWDs in the state. He assured the beneficiaries of the government’s commitment and support to improving their welfare and empowering them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
The state Chairman of the PWD, Mr Olugbemi Stephen said, the 5-day training program for the PWD in the state is to enable members of the PWD to acquire relevant skills, knowledge that would make them relevant in the society and make them wealth creators.
He noted that the state government has been supporting them to attending to their demands and yearnings which have been making them functional members of society, urging the state government to continue to support the PWDs.
The Director of Cooperatives, Mr Ogunjide and Director of Empowerment, Mrs Oginni described the training as resourceful and relevant which would make meaningful impact in the life of the participants, stressing that the the programne is timely because it would further equip participants with necessary skills and tools needed to succeed in their chosen career.
Some of the beneficiaries, Kamarudeen Suliat, Adeniran Blessing and Sanusi Rafiat, in an interview, expressed gratitude to the State Government and Project Enable for the opportunity given to them.
They pledged to utilise the funds received effectively, with the aim of improving their living standards and contributing to the economic development of the state.
“The training is a wonderful one which tends towards knowledge and skill acquisition to empower the PWD. The state government should continue to organize such a programne so that other people can benefit from it.
“The money given to us today will be used to continue our existing business. The state government should continued organizing a programne like this in future with a view to support and empower PWD in the state”.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Project Enable, Olalekan Owonikoko, said the programne is organized to support PWD to acquire skill and train them how to market their business, this will enable them to access better opportunity and make them relevant in their chosen career.
“The support enjoined from the state government through the commissioner for Cooperatives and Empowerment is wonderful in term of finance and logistics to make the programne a success, adding that the sky is the limit for the trainees”.
He appreciated the Osun State Government for the support given to the programne towards its success..
The event was attended by government officials, the CEO of Project Enable Olalekan Owonikoko, representatives from Project Enable, the State Chairman of the PWD, Mr Olugbemi Stephen and other stakeholders committed to the empowerment and inclusion of PWDs in the socio-economic activities of the state.
