The Leprosy Mission, Nigeria (TLM) has on Thursday empowered some persons living with disability in Niger state with sewing machines, computers and washing machines.
While presenting the items to the beneficiaries, the state Programme Officer, Habiba Diko said the Mission extended the gesture to help make them self reliant and productive in the society.
According to him “many of them were trained but we picked thirteen of them who have proven themselves to be empowered so that they can become self reliant, productive and support their families.
“We donated various start up kits like washing machine, sewing machines, computers and those who are doing beads and soap also got their starter packs”.
In her remarks, Director, Rehabilitation Department, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajia Hajara Ndayako, commended The Leprosy Mission for their gesture adding that, “you have been part of the state programme in supporting the downtrodden and vulnerable in the state”.
She disclosed that, no doubt, the items would add value to the lives of beneficiaries and reduce the level of poverty in the society, adding that “at the Ministry level, we will continue to encourage such collaboration so that everyone can add value to what government is doing”.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairman of the Joint Association of People With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Niger state Ibrahim Ndako thanked the TLM for the support rendered the vulnerable in the state.
According to him “with this empowerment, I can tell you that the beneficiaries can not go in the streets begging for arms and I can tell you that, if other organisations can emulated TLM, life will be better for our members”.
Also, Rev. Thomas Galadima charged beneficiaries not to sell the items given to them, saying “this type of opportunity may not unveil itself again”.
