The Country Director of the WOFAN-ICON2 Project, Dr Salamatu Garba, has pledged to intensify efforts in empowering youths, women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in 2025, marking the third year of the project’s implementation.

In an exclusive interview with SolaceBase on Tuesday, on its road map to 2025, Dr Garba highlighted the project’s commitment to building a better society by addressing poverty, unemployment, and inclusivity. She emphasized that empowering youths creates a ripple effect of positive change, as they form the foundation of a thriving society.

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The WOFAN-ICON2 Project, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation’s “We Can Work” program, aims to empower one million PWDs across seven African countries by 2030. Dr. Garba announced plans to expand the project’s reach to more urban and rural communities, with a focus on skill development, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.

Dr. Garba also revealed that WOFAN will introduce specialized support for PWDs in 2025, including hearing aids in collaboration with ENT specialists, alongside tricycles and motorbikes, as provided in previous years. She urged parents to bring forward PWDs so their specific needs can be addressed, discouraging the culture of hiding them at home.

She underscored the importance of amplifying women’s voices and increasing their participation in community decision-making. She shared success stories of women supported by WOFAN, who now hold leadership positions in their communities.

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‘’WOFAN plans to expand its operations to more states rather than the ones they are already working on in 2025, leveraging strategic partnerships. “Collaboration ensures our interventions have lasting impacts,” Dr. Garba noted, emphasizing the role of stakeholders in achieving sustainable growth.

Dr. Garba expressed confidence in her staff, implementing partners, and extension workers, appreciating their dedication and contributions to the project’s success.

She also commended journalists for their role in raising awareness and educating the public about WOFAN’s work.

‘’My passion for community development stems from a belief in the transformative power of collective action. She encouraged beneficiaries to pass on their knowledge by helping and teaching others, fostering a culture of mutual support.

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Dr. Garba called on the government to invest in youth development, asserting that building youth capacity could resolve 99% of societal challenges. She also highlighted WOFAN’s success in introducing PWDs to farming, enabling many to become self-reliant.

As WOFAN prepares for an ambitious expansion in 2025, Dr. Garba expressed confidence in the project’s future. “Our vision is clear, and our resolve is stronger than ever. Together, we can build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” she concluded.