Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Office of Disabilities Affairs (LASODA), has launched an empowerment programme for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) operating in the agriculture space.
The project, under the supervision of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on PWD, empowered 15 beneficiaries in its first batch at an event recently held in Lagos.
The SSA to the Governor on Agriculture, Mr. Gbolabo Olaniwun stated that the aim of the programme is to identify PWDs creating value in the agriculture space and also to empower them with modern equipment that would improve their output while promoting inclusiveness in the sector.
He explained that the PWDs shortlisted for the empowerment received free supplies of catfish farming equipment, smoking kilns, broiler chicks and feeds, honey production machines and sealing machines, as well as deep freezer and powering generating set for those in the poultry marketing business, while beneficiaries were also provided with cassava processing machines and Cages full of Grass Cutters.
Olaniwun said, “The special interest in PWDs is pivotal in this programme because our desire is not merely to reach out to them, but to provide the necessary support in terms of material intervention which they require to ensure their financial independence and productivity.
“This intervention will go a long way in helping them, their families and raising their capacity to contribute to the State’s economic growth. This is a key component of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration.”
In her remark, the SSA to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal opined that the project would boost the capacity of PWDs in the agriculture space towards contributing their quota to the development of the State.
She said, “This will ensure the persons living with disabilities are productive and change their stories to positive ones. We must continue to push the narrative that disability cannot hinder the mind and physical ability.”
Oyetunde-Lawal also disclosed that subsequent batches of empowerment will be held in the coming weeks, stressing that PWDs hoping to benefit from the programme must be fully registered with LASODA.