BY FAIZA JIBRIN, DECEMBER 04, 2025 | 07:54 PM

Fatima Jibrin, a wrapper seller living with a disability in Maiduguri, had been struggling to keep her small business afloat with the limited capital she had.

The modest income barely covered her daily needs and the responsibilities she shouldered as a family member.

Similarly, Ukasha Sulaiman, a disabled shoemaker, had fought to keep his tiny shoe‑making venture alive.

His story of resilience took a hopeful turn when he received a grant of N200,000.

'With this amount I believe I can expand my business to a point where I can also help others,' Ukasha said.

Both Fatima and Ukasha were among the beneficiaries who expressed gratitude after the Borno State Government and development partners distributed financial support to persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Government House Multipurpose Hall in Maiduguri.

Ukasha described the intervention as “life‑support” and assured that the funds would be used responsibly to grow his shoe‑making business and uplift others in his community.

'This fund will help me grow my shoe‑making business, and I believe one day I’ll be able to help others with similar or larger sums,' he told Lake Chad Times (HYPERLINK).

Fatima echoed the sentiment, saying the empowerment gave her new hope and a chance to sustain her family with dignity.

'The money was given to us to sustain our businesses, help ourselves and our families. I’m very grateful for this support and will invest it wisely,' she affirmed.

The support is part of the nationwide Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which will disburse a total of N1 billion and N9 million across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, targeting 9,500 PWDs.

Each beneficiary receives N200,000 plus additional items aimed at boosting livelihoods and fostering self‑reliance.

Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, highlighted the state’s ongoing investments in promoting independence and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

She announced that land has been allocated for a dedicated mechanical and vocational workspace for skilled artisans, with construction and equipment funded through a partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

'The ICRC has awarded and overseen the full construction and equipping of the facility, ensuring welders, mechanics, and other artisans have a modern, functional workspace to practice, expand, and sustain their craft,' she said, adding that the intervention is an investment in long‑term opportunity and economic stability.

Hon. Zuwaira reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive leadership, empowerment, and social integration, urging partners, policymakers, and the private sector to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities.

UNFPA Head of Office, Mr. Christian MakoLi, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to ensuring no one is left behind. He noted that PWDs—especially women, girls, and youth—in conflict‑affected states like Borno face multiple layers of exclusion.

He called for fully inclusive policies and services, emphasizing that a diverse society is more prosperous and peaceful.

While in her remarks, the First Lady of Borno State, Prof. Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum, praised the beneficiaries for their resilience and encouraged them to use the empowerment kits to build sustainable livelihoods.

She announced that the RHI economic empowerment programme will now be held annually on December 3, across the federation, aligning with the national vision to promote inclusion and economic participation of PWDs.

The 2025 theme is "Fostering Disability‑Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress."

As the event concluded, beneficiaries like Ukasha and Fatima said the support renewed their confidence and hope for a more independent future, thanking the government and its partners for ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only remembered but empowered.