As part of the Persons with Disabilities PWD inclusion agenda the MD/CEO Kogi Enterprise Development Agent, KEDA, Hajia Rekiya Onaivo Sanni paid a familiarization visit to the community of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) on Thursday.
Addressing the community Onaivo Sanni said the aim of the familiarization visit to the Ministry of Women Affairs Rehabilitation Center, is to establish a lasting relationship as well as intimate them on the overarching goals of KEDA and possible areas of support to the PWD.
While encouraging them to have roles in select business endeavours leads to increased participation in social activities, the KEDA boss educated them on how to access the NG-CARES grants and the 10% slot allocated to the PWD, she advised them to form business clusters of members across the 21 LGAs of the State.
She however lauded the Executive Governor of Kogi State for the establishment of KEDA and giving her the opportunity to be the pioneer Manager/CEO that will drive the SME sector of Kogi State to an enviable height.
She noted that, KEDA prioritizes engagement of women for any project, hence women are highly encouraged to apply.
Chairman, of the PWD community, Honorable Arome, lauded the MD for being friendly and considerate with the community of PWD and deeming it neccesary to remove the challenges of PWD which may have been faced if they had to visit KEDA office.
In their separate remarks, the visually impaired, Deaf community, albino cluster, spinal cord affected as well as the crippled clusters who are engaged in various vocations which includes farming, tailoring, tricycle rider, shoe making. She noted that, KEDA prioritizes engagement of women for any project, hence women are highly encouraged to apply.
In their separate remarks, the visually impaired, Deaf community, albino cluster, spinal cord affected as well as the crippled clusters who are engaged in various vocations which includes farming, tailoring, tricycle rider, shoe making, private school owners, market women, ties and dyes expressed confidence in the KEDA boss and lauding her untiring support within the shortest period of her appointment.
Fielding questions from the community, she announces that, PWD would be fully represented in KEDA office within the period of the program implementation so as to ensure that the 10% beneficiary slot is fully utilised.
She advised them to direct all enquiries to KEDA and disregard any information asking them to pay certain amount to be enrolled adding that, KEDA will continue to give up to date information being the only approved agency that takes care of SMEs in Kogi State.
Earlier in her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development represented by the Director Rehabilitation Center, Mrs. Mercy Okpe pledged the Ministry’s full support and partnerships with KEDA .
As at 2020, there are reportedly over 27 million Nigerians living with some form of disability.
