The Special Assistant on Persons with Disabilities to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and Founder of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Mr. David O. Anyaele has commended the United States Consulate for their commitment to economic empowerment of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Anyaele who spoke at the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration and Launch of Project TheseAbilities at the United States Consulate in Lagos appreciated the United States Government for supporting initiatives that promote the inclusion and employment of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
The CCD founder, who was represented by Ms. Florence Attah, Programme Officer, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) appreciated the Consulate for recognizing the CCD and Project Enable Africa as partners that share a common goal of fostering the inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
Anyaele stated that “as we commemorate Workers’ Day 2024, it is with great enthusiasm that we launch the TheseAbilities Project titled ‘Promoting Inclusive Economic Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities’. This project, implemented in partnership with CCD and Project Enable Africa, embodies our collective commitment to fostering economic prosperity and community resilience among persons with disabilities.”
According to Mr. Anyaele, persons with disabilities encounter several challenges in their pursuit of securing economic empowerment ranging from deeply rooted societal prejudices to physical barriers in accessing infrastructure and resources. The journey towards economic independence is often filled with obstacles for citizens with disabilities.
“Discrimination in employment, limited access to education and training opportunities, and inadequate support systems further compound these challenges. It is incumbent upon us to confront these realities head-on and to redouble our efforts in dismantling the barriers that hinder the economic advancement of persons with disabilities and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.” CCD’s Founder said.
Mr. Anyaele reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment towards advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities in Edo and Abia States.
“As an organization, we are committed to working closely with the private sector in order to facilitate greater access to economic opportunities for persons with disabilities by fostering meaningful partnerships and promoting inclusive practices.”
“We can create an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the society. Together, we can break barriers and create a more inclusive society where everyone can contribute and succeed.” Mr. Anyaele said.
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities CCD in partnership with the Project Enable is implementing Project TheseAbilities: Promoting Economic Prosperity and Community Resilience for Persons with Disabilities in Abia and Edo States. The goal of the project is to directly empower 70 entrepreneurs with disabilities in Edo and Abia States in Nigeria with business management skills, resources, and network, while strengthening the capacity of 70 civil society organizations and public institutions/agencies in both states to become disability-inclusive in their policies, programs, and processes.
The direct beneficiaries of this project will include about 55% women, and 25% prospective (new) entrepreneurs who will be equipped with business skills towards supporting them to increase household revenues. The project is funded through 2023 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund of the US Government.
The event had in attendance The Head of the United States Consulate General in Lagos, Will Stevens, General manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Adenike Oyetunde; heads of disability clusters in Lagos and CCD officials.