A non-governmental organisation, Hope Builders for The Physically Challenged Foundation, has marked the 2023 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Day for the People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Lagos.
The event with the theme: ‘Building a Strong Future Together’, attracted entrepreneurs from the PWDs clusters in Lagos area and also featured an exhibition where hand crafts and other products made by PWDs were displayed.
In her welcome address, founder of the organisation, Mrs. Christiana Akinrinmade appreciated participants and producers of exhibited products at the event.
“Today, we come together to celebrate the indomitable spirit of individuals with disabilities and their remarkable contributions to entrepreneurship. I am deeply humbled by this opportunity to share our vision and mission with such an esteemed audience,” she said.
Akinrinmade relaying how the organisation started said, “Our journey as a foundation has been one marked by determination, resilience, and a firm belief in the potential of people with disabilities. I stand before you as a testament to the power of perseverance, having faced visual impairment in 2010 after a successful banking career spanning over 18 years.
The 2015 graduate of the Nigerian Society for the Blind, Lagos, where her passion for empowering others facing similar challenges was ignited, said, “The Hope Builder for the Physically Challenged Foundation is not just an organisation; it is a symbol of hope and a catalyst for change. We are driven by the belief that disability should never be an obstacle to success but rather a platform for immense possibilities.
“Our Foundation envisions a world where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to unlock their full potential, actively participate in the society, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“At the core of our efforts lies the Divine Chris Ken Creativity initiative, established in 2016, which harnesses the potential of craftwork to create exceptional products such as footwears, bags, belts, and innovative center tables made from recycled waste motor tyres.
“Through this initiative, we also impart valuable craft skills to the less privileged individuals, including people with disabilities, empowering them to be self-reliant and fostering their inclusion in society,” she said.
Talking about the impact of the organisation so far, she said, “The impact of our programs has been far-reaching, touching the lives of over 1,000 individuals through craftwork and hand skills training. Our dedication to excellence and commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities have garnered recognition and numerous awards, including the prestigious Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship Development from the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.”
Continuing, she said, the organisation is focused and ready to continue in its activities to better the lot of the people with disabilities.
“As we move forward, our foundation remains resolute in providing education, vocational training, and empowerment programs that promote inclusiveness, independence, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. We firmly believe that, with the right support and resources, individuals facing challenges can overcome barriers and achieve their aspirations,” she said.
She however appreciated the supporters of the organisation for their roles over the years.
“I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our partners, collaborators, and sponsors who have been instrumental in our journey. Your collective commitment to creating a more inclusive society has made all our achievements possible,” she said.
She also relayed how special the event was to her and her organisation. “Today is so special because we are able to create the awareness about SME Day for people with disability so that the whole world will know we are industrious and creative, we are fruitful and we are celebrating ourselves. We want to celebrate our abilities, our potentials, the success stories of great achievers of entrepreneurs among people living with disabilities, we are happy that people are patronising our products, we want inclusion in terms of education, training, employment and self-development,” she said.
When asked where she sees the organisation in the next five years, she said, “I see it going far, I am happy I was nominated as one of the delegates to an award in USA. I was so happy to have been nominated and I am so happy that I will still impart many more people in the disability world and the less privileged so that we call can be self-reliant.
“We are not liabilities, we are assets, we should only be gathered to be built, to be trusted so that we can be confident, for us to be entrepreneurs,” she said.
Uche Nwuka, Deputy General Manager, Bank of Industry (BOI), at the event provided information about how the BOI can provide assistance to the people living with disabilities in their businesses.
“Of course they are unique customers to us, we listen to them, discuss their needs, we advise them, hold them and ensure we meet their needs to support their businesses,” she said.
Nwuka continued that, “Ours is to develop their business and make them improve and make their work sustainable.
“We don’t have issues with people coming to the bank for assistance and information, it is not a challenge. In Lagos we have three offices, we have our head office in Marina, we have offices in Ikeja and Lekki. It is not difficult to access BOI,” she said.
Also at the event were representatives of the National Productivity Centre, representatives of Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) and other dignitaries.