International Day of Persons with Disabilities: WOFAN distributes 40 tricycles, 3 modified motorbikes to empower PWDs

In commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has distributed 40 tricycles and three motorbikes specially modified for persons with disabilities (PWDs) at Sharada, Kano Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, WOFAN’s Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, highlighted the significance of IDPD as a United Nations-designated day celebrated annually on December 3.

SolaceBase reports that represented by Mallam Sadik Hassan, she emphasized that the day aims to promote awareness of disability issues, uphold the rights and dignity of PWDs, and foster their integration into all aspects of life, including political, social, economic, and cultural spheres.

“Today, as part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we have distributed 40 tricycles and three specially modified motorbikes to PWDs from Sharada, Ja’en, and Tukuntawa communities,” Garba stated. “This initiative underscores the power of ability in disability.”

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Dr. Garba announced that WOFAN will distribute over 240 tricycles and additional customized motorbikes across its target states to commemorate the day. The motorbikes will be given to PWD leaders, facilitators, and trainers to aid their mobility and productivity.

She expressed gratitude to WOFAN’s partners, particularly the Mastercard Foundation, whose support under the WOFAN-ICON2 project has been instrumental.

According to her, the project, aimed at reducing poverty in Africa by empowering vulnerable groups, has already reached over 600,000 women and youth in Nigeria.

“Our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, initially for five years, has been extended for another five years. Together, we aim to empower over 1.3 million vulnerable individuals, ensuring they can support themselves and others,” Garba added.

On his part, the Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Kano State branch, Malam Yahaya A. Yahaya, praised WOFAN for its long-standing support for PWDs. He thanked Dr Garba for her tireless efforts in uplifting the lives of PWDs and urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the support provided.

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“We cannot thank WOFAN enough for their unwavering support. I urge my fellow PWDs to stop begging on the streets, embrace entrepreneurship, and enrol in schools to gain the knowledge that will improve their lives,” he said.

In a remark, the District Head of Sharada, Alhaji Isyaku Ma’azu Sharada, encouraged beneficiaries to take good care of the tricycles and motorbikes. He also called on other organizations to emulate WOFAN’s efforts.

“What WOFAN is doing is what the government should be doing. We deeply appreciate their gesture and urge other NGOs to follow their example,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Safina Sani, a student at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, expressed her appreciation for receiving a modified motorbike.

“I am truly grateful to WOFAN for this support. This motorbike will significantly ease my challenges in commuting to school,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Alhassan Abba, who received a tricycle, also expressed his gratitude to WOFAN and the Mastercard Foundation.

“This tricycle will make it easier for me to move around and improve my livelihood. I promise to take good care of it,” he said.

At the event, the Inuwar Mutanen Sharada Association honored WOFAN’s Executive Director, Dr. Salamatu Garba, with an Award of Excellence in recognition of her outstanding leadership and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable.