BY RITA OYIBOKA
Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” This timeless adage was brought to life recently through the Women Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (WESAP), a groundbreaking initiative by the Delta State Government.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, the programme empowered 91 persons living with disabilities (PWDs) who have learned skills with resources to establish businesses in fields ranging from ICT and confectionery to leatherwork, fashion, and industrial production.
This empowerment initiative stands out not only for its scope but also for its deliberate focus on a group often overlooked in mainstream developmental programmes. Traditionally, society’s approach to supporting persons with disabilities revolves around handouts, food, or temporary relief.
However, this time, the ministry took a different path. It identified talented individuals within the community who had honed their skills and multiplied their potential by equipping them with tools for sustainable income generation.
Leaving No One Behind
At the launch of the empowerment programme on October 8, 2024, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas highlighted that while Delta State has a rich history of empowerment programmes such as WESAP for women and the Rural Youth Skill Acquisition Programme (RYSA), this was the first specifically tailored for PWDs.
“This particular programme was developed to cater solely to persons living with disabilities. With the full backing of the Governor, we planned and implemented WESAP for PWDs. While this first phase targets only a small group, we are optimistic that additional funding will allow for an expansion next year. This initial phase focuses on those who already have skills, but we hope to introduce green training for others in the future,” she added.
Agas, articulated the essence of the initiative. “This initiative reflects the state government’s dedication to ensuring that no one is left behind. We urge all beneficiaries to take full advantage of this opportunity. The state and the ministry have invested in your future, and we trust you will not let us down. Together, we can build a stronger and more inclusive Delta State where everyone can contribute and benefit from progress.”
The impact of this initiative resonated deeply with its beneficiaries. Comrade Ernest Igbuzo, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Delta State Chapter, expressed gratitude on behalf of the group.
“This programme fulfils one of the governor’s key campaign promises to include persons with disabilities in developmental schemes. I encourage all participants to focus on their training and make the best use of the equipment they receive to better their lives and contribute to society.”
One such participant, Ofikulu Golden, shared his journey. “I’ve been working in leathercraft since 2009, but I never had the financial means to acquire the proper equipment to fully establish myself in the trade. With the tools provided by the state government, I can finally take my business to the next level, start my own fully equipped workshop, and even train others in leatherwork,” he said.
Empowered to Empower
After a month of intensive, state-funded training designed to sharpen and refresh their skills, the beneficiaries received the tools needed to kick-start their businesses. To further support their journey to independence, beneficiaries were awarded a grant of ₦100,000, each.
It was a day of promise and transformation at the Dome Event Centre as 91 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) joined 220 women to receive life-changing start-up resources from the Delta State Government. The hall brimmed with potential as rows upon rows of startup kits filled the space, pots for catering, makeup boxes for beauticians, laptops and printers for ICT entrepreneurs, generators for artisans, and more.
The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori reflected a broader narrative of empowerment sweeping through Delta State.
According to him, this year alone, government’s various programmes have affected positively over 203,000 Deltans. Among them are 6,000 farmers who received fertilisers to boost agricultural productivity and 426 artisans, traders, and entrepreneurs who were directly supported with resources to scale their businesses.
The governor addressed the beneficiaries. “To our esteemed beneficiaries, remember that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Misusing these resources will not only undermine the initiative but also deny others the opportunity to benefit.”
Oborevwori’s words resonated deeply as he highlighted the administration’s relentless focus on self-reliance and sustainable development. His message was clear: this initiative was not just about giving, it was about building.
Echoing the governor’s sentiments, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, and the Chief Job Creation Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Egwuyenga, delivered goodwill messages that blended encouragement with a dose of tough love. Both emphasised the importance of preserving the integrity of the programme.
“Do not sell your start-up packs. These tools are your ladder to success, not a quick payday. Self-reliance begins with recognising the value of what you have been given. Use it wisely, and you’ll not only transform your life but inspire others to follow in your footsteps,” they said.
Among the 91 PWD beneficiaries was Endurance Otoibuli, whose radiant smile spoke volumes about the significance of the day. As the state Publicity Secretary of the Joint Association for Persons Living with Disabilities, he received ICT equipment, including a power generator, printer, and laptop. For Otoibuli, this gesture was more than a material gain; it was a validation of worth and potential.
“The equipment I received today would have taken me decades to purchase, but the state has provided them to us for free. Empowering 91 PWDs is a testament to the government’s dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable groups as promised in the MORE agenda,” he said.
We will do more for PWDs – Ajudua says
The success of this initiative is a beacon for sustainable development in Nigeria. By providing tools, training, and encouragement, the Delta State Government is charting a path toward economic independence for its people. Beyond the 91 PWDs and 220 women empowered on this day, the ripple effect of this programme will undoubtedly touch countless lives.
The Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hon. Pat Ajudua further highlighted the programme’s strategic execution. “This empowerment is novel as it is the first designed specifically for PWDs. These beneficiaries were painstakingly chosen across the three senatorial districts to ensure that those selected are those who will value this huge commitment of the state government.
“In line with our mandate, we will continuously roll out programmes and activities that promote the cause of women, children, PWDs, and other vulnerable persons in Delta State. This is part of the MORE Agenda, which prioritises inclusivity and equal opportunities for all Deltans,” she said.
Looking Ahead
According to the World Bank, over one billion people – about 15 percent of the world’s population experience some form of disability and often face poverty due to a lack of access to education and employment.
The WESAP initiative offers a blueprint for addressing these issues, demonstrating that empowerment goes beyond financial aid; it involves building a framework where everyone can thrive.
The success of WESAP’s first phase offers hope for an even brighter future. With plans to expand the programme and include green training for those without prior skills, the Delta State Government has set a commendable standard.
But empowerment can’t be left to the government alone. It is a shared responsibility. Despite efforts like WESAP, discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs) remains a harsh reality.
Speaking at the 10th Annual Deaf Awareness Week, Chairman of the Edo State Association of the Deaf (ESAD), Mr. Kingsley Eromosele, highlighted the challenges faced by the deaf community and other PWDs including isolation, illiteracy, discrimination, and lack of opportunities and support.
He urged for stronger support for businesses run by these individuals, reminding us all that real inclusion requires societal action.
“When we support businesses owned by persons with disabilities, we’re not just helping individuals; we’re strengthening our communities,” he said, pointing to the broader benefits of inclusion. His words underscore an important truth: empowering PWDs is not charity; it is about recognising their potential and providing equal opportunities for them to thrive.
As the state and the ministry forge ahead with its MORE Agenda, initiatives like WESAP prove that when opportunities are distributed equitably, society as a whole benefits. After all, when you teach someone to fish, you are not just feeding him or her for a lifetime, you’re building a future where they can feed others too.
