By Ifeizu Joe
250 persons living with disabilities, (PWDs) in Anambra were on Wednesday handed the sum of N200,000 each, to recapitalize their existing small businesses and strengthen their means of livelihood.
The distribution was made during a ceremony at the Light House, Awka, to mark the launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs, in commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
The event is being launched simultaneously across the 36 States of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Police Officers’ Wives Association, which will see a total of 9,500 PWDs across Nigeria get a total of N1.9billion.
The states, the FCT, and the POWA will get N50 million each to disburse as Business Recapitalization Grants to 150 PWDs.
Speaking during the event, the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Mrs Oluchi Ibezim said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.
She said: “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country.
“Our Social Investment Programmes have provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as to the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes.
“In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be held on December 3rd, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she said.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke appreciated the implementation of financial support to PWDs, which he described as a compassionate programme of Senator Tinubu.
He noted that the gesture will open doors to many live-saving ventures, strengthen resilience and empower families.
