By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has unveiled plans to raise N70 billion to establish farm centres nationwide, aiming to integrate millions of persons with disabilities into agriculture and strengthen food production.
Speaking in Abuja at the inauguration of the project’s local planning committee, Executive Secretary Ayuba Burki Gufwan said the initiative will begin with one centre in each of the six geopolitical zones before expanding to all 36 states, 774 local government areas and communities.
He said the centres would support crop and animal production, fisheries and value-added agribusinesses, providing a platform for persons with disabilities to demonstrate their skills and improve their economic standing.
Gufwan said the committee’s immediate task is to mobilise the N70 billion from federal and state governments, development partners, private sector players and philanthropists.
Describing the project as transformative, he noted that it would reduce unemployment among persons with disabilities while contributing to national food security.
He also disclosed that the governors of Bauchi and Akwa Ibom states have already donated large hectares of land to support the initiative.
