From Aliyu Ibrahim, Staff Reporter
The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities is facilitating a nationwide skills acquisition program for People Living with Disabilities (PWDs). The training, which covers the vocational and digital economies as well as the creative arts, aims to foster inclusivity and enhance self-reliance.
This was disclosed at the unveiling of a presidential initiative for PWD empowerment in skills development, held at Arewa House in Kaduna.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs, Alh. Mohammed Abba Isah, stated that the initiative is part of the "Beyond Disability Project." The project was launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July to break down barriers and address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. It seeks to create pathways to gainful employment and enhance their overall well-being.
Alh. Mohammed Abba Isah also expressed appreciation for the signing of the Disability Act into law in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a major milestone. He noted that the Act safeguards and improves the welfare of the over 35 million Nigerians with disabilities.
He added that the "Beyond Disability Project" will be implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Arts and Creative Economy, state and local governments, and the non-governmental organization, Discovering Ability in Disabilities.
On his part, the National Coordinator of the Beyond Disability Project, Steve Rostick, said the initiative will train thirty individuals per state in content creation for ICT and the creative industry. The trainees, comprising both educated and non-educated persons with disabilities, will acquire skills to become self-reliant within their respective communities.
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