Plateau State on Wednesday joined the national observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities as the wife of the state governor, Helen Mutfwang, represented the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, to give N200,000 each to 250 persons living with disabilities in Jos. She said the intervention was carried out under the Renewed Hope Initiative, noting that it was designed to help beneficiaries recapitalise their small ventures and move toward sustainable livelihoods.
According to Mrs Mutfwang, the distribution in Plateau was part of a wider national programme coordinated by the Office of the First Lady. She explained that every state across the federation as well as the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association would receive N50 million for further support to persons with disabilities within their areas. She noted that 9,500 Nigerians nationwide would share a total of N1.9 billion under the initiative.
The governor’s wife said the support reflected the federal commitment to inclusive growth and improved economic participation for vulnerable citizens. She added that the initiative had earlier reached more than 100,000 traders, including people living with disabilities, through different social economic interventions.
She urged the 250 recipients in Plateau State to use the grants wisely, saying the funds were meant to strengthen families and support long term stability rather than provide temporary relief.
State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Caroline Dafur, said the grant would promote inclusion and empower persons living with disabilities to expand businesses or begin new ventures. She explained that this could help improve daily living conditions and reduce dependency.
Chairman of the Disability Commission, Dr Lengnen Jurmang, described the programme as a major boost to economic independence for people living with disabilities. He applauded government commitment to inclusion and urged beneficiaries to channel the resources into business growth for lasting impact.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the involvement of the governor’s wife in marking World Disability Day gave them recognition and hope. A recipient, Janet Maidawa, said the support would revive her small business and give her renewed confidence to provide for her family.
Another beneficiary, Garba Ukasha, said the grant would expand his trade and push him closer to financial independence despite daily struggles. Also, Hannatu Bature said the gesture came at the right time, noting that the funds would allow them to buy needed equipment and improve their ability to earn steady income.
