UNFPA, Al-Muhibah Foundation train 60 physically challenged persons on skills acquisition in Bauchi

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Al-Muhibah Foundation, on Sunday, commenced skills acquisition training for 60 persons with disabilities in Bauchi state.

The Bauchi state Programme Officer of UNFPA, Deborah Tabara, stated this on during the commemoration of the 2023 International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

According to her, the gesture which was a collaborative efforts of UNFPA and Al-Muhibah Foundation of Gov. Bala Mohammed’s wife, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, was to make the beneficiaries to be financially independent and employers of labour.

Tabara, who explained that all the beneficiaries were females, highlighted some of the skills to include, soap making, baking, frying of beans cake, tofu as well as cash gift of N30,000 and N20,000 respectively as start up capital.

“UNFPA promotes human rights and social inclusion of persons with disabilities particularly, women and young people.

“Our goal is to expand access to sexual and reproductive health services as well as information and education for people that need it most.

“Today, and everyday, UNFPA stands with persons with disabilities globally in their call for action to protect and promote their fundamental rights and support their leadership in shaping more inclusive, peaceful societies for everyone,” she said.

The UNFPA Programme Officer thanked Al-Muhibah Foundation for its continuous partnership and appreciated the office of the wife of the governor for the commitment and passion in helping women and girls in the state.

Also speaking, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, said in an effort to create a more inclusive world, it was crucial to break the barriers that hindered the full participation of persons with disabilities.

She said “let us create an environment that empowers them well to reach their full potential regardless of their abilities.

“Employment is a key aspect of empowerment. Let us advocate for the workplace, embrace diversity by recognising that each person, regardless of their ability, has unique talent to offer.

“Creating an inclusive work environment is not just morally imperative but also a means of unlocking untapped potential,” she said.