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Tinubu’s Aide Abba Isa Highlights Economic Benefits of Establishing Farm Cities for PWDs
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has underscored the far-reaching economic benefits of establishing Farm Cities for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
Hon. Abba Isa made this known at the historic inauguration of the Local Organizing Committee for the planning and mobilization of funds towards the establishment of PWD Farm Cities nationwide.
The initiative is spearheaded by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, in partnership with the Peace for Humanity Foundation.
In his remarks, the Presidential aide warmly commended the NCPWD and the Peace for Humanity Foundation for conceiving what he described as a bold and transformative initiative capable of redefining economic inclusion for Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria.
He noted that agriculture remains the most expansive and absorbing sector of the Nigerian economy, with vast value chains spanning cultivation, processing, packaging, storage, marketing, and export.
According to him, the sector possesses the capacity to employ millions of Nigerians if properly structured and supported.
The establishment of Farm Cities specifically designed for Persons With Disabilities will open structured, accessible, and inclusive opportunities for PWDs who are already farmers, while also encouraging new entrants to embrace agriculture as a viable and dignified means of livelihood,” he stated.
Hon. Abba Isa observed that across rural communities in Nigeria, many Persons With Disabilities are already engaged in farming under harsh and difficult conditions.
He lamented that most lack access to modern equipment, improved seedlings, financing, irrigation systems, extension services, and structured markets.
They labor daily with resilience but without adequate institutional support. This project seeks to change that narrative,” he added.
He explained that the proposed Farm Cities would serve as organized hubs of agricultural productivity—centers where accessibility, technology, mechanization, capacity building, and financing converge.
Through the initiative, PWD farmers are expected to gain access to funding windows, government intervention programmes, development partners’ support, modern farming techniques, and integration into national and international agricultural value chains.
Aligning the project with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the SSA emphasized that the initiative would significantly advance inclusive economic empowerment for Persons With Disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
He stressed that it would transition many from subsistence to sustainability, from marginalization to productivity, and from exclusion to economic relevance.
They labor daily with resilience but without adequate institutional support. This project seeks to change that narrative,” he added.
He explained that the proposed Farm Cities would serve as organized hubs of agricultural productivity—centers where accessibility, technology, mechanization, capacity building, and financing converge.
Through the initiative, PWD farmers are expected to gain access to funding windows, government intervention programmes, development partners’ support, modern farming techniques, and integration into national and international agricultural value chains.
Aligning the project with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the SSA emphasized that the initiative would significantly advance inclusive economic empowerment for Persons With Disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
He stressed that it would transition many from subsistence to sustainability, from marginalization to productivity, and from exclusion to economic relevance.
News
FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.
At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
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