The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in collaboration with Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has completed the training of 19 women with Disabilities in various skills.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the women were trained in Hospitality and Tourism, Event Management, Cosmetology and Make Up.
Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and social development in her keynote address at the graduation ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja congratulated the trainees.
According to Farouq, disability is both a human and development issue, adding that global focus has been on addressing disability challenges that continually threaten human existence and attainment of meaningful development.
She said that women and girls with disabilities suffer the double burden of being women and also living with disabilities.
Farouq added that the global economic crisis is affecting women and girls with capabilities.
“Thus, my ministry through the Special Needs Department thought it wise to organise training to enhance the skills of the trainee in the selected trades, build entrepreneurship skills and enhance their employee-of-labour potential.
“It may interest you to note that this training is just a pilot phase with the intention of scaling up to other states of the federation.
“I understand that 19 of you received the training, with 12 in hospitality and Event Management, while seven had cosmetology and Make Up. I advised that you all make good use of this opportunity to improve on your livelihoods.
“The sky is only your starting point, and I strongly believe that the market is there for you to be on your own, expand and even become employers of labour.
“We will continue to support you to ensure that you start on a right footing by giving out grants of N100,000 each. We will also be following up on you to check how the training has impacted on you,” Farouq said.
The minister asked the trainees to supply their bank account details so that by next week the grants of N100,000 would drop in each and every one’s accounts.
NAN reports that Farouq was represented at the ceremony by the Director of Special Needs in the Ministry, Mrs Nkechi Florence Onwukwue.
Speaking, the ITF’s Training Manager, Hajiya Halima Rabo in her address of welcome said the trainees came as individuals, but leaving with skills.
“It is important to impact the lives of persons with disabilities. It is also important to note that disability does not mean you are not able to be creative and create value in society.
“It is my belief that very soon, you will come to tell me how you are doing and we will follow up on what you are doing. Congratulations to you all and please, come back with success stories,” Rabo urged the trainees.
Similarly, the ITF’s Area Manager, Abuja Area Office, Hajiya Hauwa Mohammed said that the trainees were leaving better than when they came.
“From what you have learnt here, you will be gainfully employed without waiting for the government or other organisations to employ you. A skilled hand will never lack”.
Also, the Advocacy Advisor of Sightsavers Nigeria, Mrs Esther Bature said that females were marginalised in the scheme of things in the country, adding that as a woman with disability, it is even worse.
” This event is timely, because, today, we are celebrating the International Day of the girl-child.
“We hope that acquiring these skills will be a better start of good things to come to women and girls with disabilities,” Bature said.
NAN reports that other stakeholders from National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, FCTA’s Social Development Secretariat, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative and others restated their commitment to support women and girls with disabilities.
