How WOFAN creates job opportunities for PWDs in Kaduna

By Aliyu Inuwa Mansir On Dec 10, 2024

WOFAN , job opportunities, PWDs , Kaduna — How WOFAN creates job opportunities for PWDs in Kaduna

In a groundbreaking effort to provide job opportunities for people living with disabilities (PWDs), the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has unveiled a new initiative in Ikara Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The program aims to empower over 90 PWDs with sustainable job opportunities.

SolaceBase reports that initially, WOFAN supported nine PWDs engaged in various vocations such as phone charging, phone repair, tailoring, hair plaiting, welding, fabrication, agrochemical sales, and other trades.

These individuals are now tasked with training 10 additional PWDs each in their specialized skills, amplifying the program’s economic impact and fostering self-reliance among marginalized groups.

At the inauguration ceremony held over the weekend, WOFAN-ICON-2project, Country Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, highlighted the organization’s commitment to economic independence for PWDs.

“These initiatives address immediate needs while creating sustainable income streams for beneficiaries,” said Dr. Garba.

She explained that the initiative is part of the WOFAN ICON-2 project, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation’s “We Can Work” program, which aims to empower one million PWDs across seven African countries.

“This project aligns with the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works Strategy, which seeks to create dignified work opportunities for 30 million young people in Africa by 2030,” Dr Garba added.

As part of the initiative, each cluster of PWDs will receive ₦1,050,000 under a multipurpose cooperative model to support their businesses and capital.

The not-for-profit organisation also distributed nine modified motorbikes and ten tricycles to PWDs, providing essential mobility aids that double as tools for self-reliance and innovation.

WOFAN similarly constructed three women’s processing centres in Auchan, Kunkumi, and Sayasaya. These centres include solar-powered boreholes that provide clean water to key locations such as the local hospital, school, mosque, and other community areas. This sustainable infrastructure ensures an uninterrupted water supply while creating opportunities for community members to manage and maintain the system.

The processing centres also help reduce post-harvest losses, improve food security, and empower local farmers. Equipped with rice and maize processing machines, these facilities enable women to process and market their agricultural produce effectively, thereby boosting their incomes and contributing to local economic growth.

The Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, represented by the Wagon Zazzau, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar, commended WOFAN’s dedication to empowering vulnerable groups.

“WOFAN’s efforts are remarkable. We are proud of your work and will continue to support their initiatives,” he said.

Hajiya Habiba Ibrahim, a leader of PWDs in Ikara LGA, expressed heartfelt gratitude for WOFAN’s life-changing interventions.

“This initiative will create job opportunities for PWDs, which is something we truly value,” she said. “Before WOFAN’s intervention, many of us faced discrimination and relied on begging. Today, we are empowered and can support ourselves.”

She emphasized that by the end of the program, over 90 PWDs would have access to decent jobs, enabling them to lead dignified lives and move away from street begging.

One of the beneficiaries, Dalhatu Abdulhamid, who received a solar-powered motorbike for his phone-charging business, expressed his appreciation and pledged to mentor ten PWDs through internships.

“WOFAN renovated my charging center with solar power and other equipment. My business is now thriving, and I am committed to teaching these ten interns everything they need to know,” said Abdulhamid.

Similarly, Wasila Yahaya, a hair-plaiting specialist, thanked WOFAN for the opportunity and vowed to train ten apprentices under her care.

In recognition of her efforts, the Emir of Jamfalan, Alhaji Aminu Muhammad Bello, represented by Malam Ibrahim Aminu, conferred the honorary title of Garkuwar Matan Jamfalan (Protector of Women in Jamfalan) on Dr. Salamatu Garba. Additionally, the Sarkin Auchan, Alhaji Hassan Lawan, presented her with an Excellence Award for her significant contributions to the Auchan community.

This initiative is a testament to WOFAN’s dedication to uplifting vulnerable populations and fostering inclusive economic development in Nigeria.