News
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
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
