VCDP trains 185 Niger PWDs in entrepreneurship, business management
Priscilla Ben
The Federal Government/ International Fund for Agricultural Development (FG/IFAD)-Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has trained persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Niger State on business planning, financial literacy, leadership and networking to strengthen their entrepreneurial capacity and improve their livelihoods.
The capacity-building programme held in Bida brought together beneficiaries from Kutigi, Edati, Bida and Katcha local government areas, where participants were trained on enterprise development, financial literacy, record keeping, leadership responsibilities and networking to enhance the sustainability of their businesses.
Speaking during the training, the Rural Institution Gender Mainstreaming Officer of VCDP, Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar Ahmed, said the programme under its formation, strengthening and support initiative was designed to identify the needs and capacities of PWDs, reduce barriers limiting their access to economic opportunities and equip them with the skills required to build sustainable livelihoods.
She said the training focused on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, record keeping and household methodology to enable beneficiaries effectively manage their businesses and improve their incomes.
According to her, 185 of the 232 persons with disabilities profiled under the VCDP benefited from the training.
Ahmed added that the beneficiaries were also supported with items to strengthen their various livelihood activities, including farming, grain trading, poultry production and other small-scale businesses.
Responding on behalf of the participants, the Chairman of the Empowerment Initiative for Persons with Disabilities (EIPWD), Mohammad Abubakar Enagi, described the training as timely and impactful, saying it had broadened members’ understanding of leadership, business planning and the importance of networking.
He said participants learnt the responsibilities of leaders at different levels of the association, how to prepare business plans, manage income and expenditure, and avoid running their enterprises at a loss.
According to him, “We learnt a lot from the training, especially on business planning, financial management and networking. It has opened our eyes to the importance of working together and speaking with one voice. We believe the knowledge gained will improve the sustainability of our businesses and bring positive changes to our lives”
Enagi added that the association had resolved to strengthen its network across the state to enable members access more opportunities and improve collaboration.
Two beneficiaries, Maryam Abdullahi and Abdulkadir Isah Sakpe, commended IFAD-VCDP for the training and empowerment support, describing the initiative as timely and impactful.
They said the programme had equipped persons with disabilities with the knowledge and resources needed to become self-reliant, improve their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their communities.
