The Chairman of the E.I. People with Disability Farmers Cooperative Society Limited, Niger State, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar Enagi, has commended Niger Foods for supporting the agricultural activities of persons with disabilities in the state.
Enagi said the partnership with Niger foods had not only strengthened the cooperative’s participation in agriculture but had also attracted the attention of other development partners, including ACReSAL,AGAN FADAMA, AGRA,and the Niger State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency.
According to him, the support has demonstrated that persons with disabilities have the capacity to contribute meaningfully to agriculture and the economic development of the state when given the necessary opportunities and support.
He made the remarks during a monitoring visit to farms cultivated by members of the cooperative at Tsohon Daga Zaria, Sabo Daga, Maitumbi and an area close to the School of the Handicapped along Bosso Road, Minna.
He disclosed that the farmers were cultivating rice, soybeans, millet and maize, describing agriculture as a viable means of empowering persons with disabilities to become self reliant and economically productive.
The cooperative chairman noted that sustained support for persons with disabilities in agriculture would help reduce dependency and street begging by providing them with sustainable sources of livelihood.
Enagi expressed appreciation to Niger Foods for believing in the abilities of persons with disabilities and creating opportunities for them to participate actively in agriculture.
“We are physically disabled, but not mentally disabled,” he declared, stressing that disability should not be regarded as a barrier to productivity.
He added that with this support and opportunities, persons with disabilities would become self reliant, reduce their dependence on others and contribute significantly to food production and the overall economic development of Niger State.
Rashidat AbdulRahman
Information officer
Niger foods
