Olu Samuel,Lokoja

Thirty-three persons living with leprosy in Kogi state on Thursday graduated with various skills including, tailoring, phone and repairs, shoes, and bag making and welding sponsored by The Leprosy Mission Nigeria,TLMN

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) is a Christian non-governmental development organization which began its work in Nigeria in 1986, TLMN vision is to see Persons affected by leprosy become independent and empowered to take full responsibility for their lives, to advocate for their human rights and contribute to the development of a more inclusive society.

Beneficiaries were drawn from Oyi, Isanlu, Mopa-Muro, Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Owala and Lokoja community on vocational skills

Speaking during the graduation ceremony and presentation of start-up kits to beneficiaries in Lokoja,the Kogi state program officer, Reuben Isaiah said he was inspired by his desire to make life more comfortable for people living with leprosy and persons with disabilities by training then in a vocation that would keep them of begging on the street.

“In line with our ongoing project which is the Resilient building and disability inclusion project “ReDIP” in Kogi state, the leprosy mission Nigerian in November 2022, enrolled fifty (50) children of persons affected by leprosy and person with disabilities in Kogi states from Oyi, Isanlu, Mopa-Muro, Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Owala and Lokoja community on vocational skills namely: Baking and pastries, Tailoring, Shoe making, Bag making, Mechanic, welding, computer repairs, phone repairs to mention but few.

The graduands were also empowered with start-up kits to enable them take off in their different vocations in live with it’s mission statement of building inclusion objective.

Earlier in her welcome address,Mrs Orowo Stephen said that “Today, we come together to distribute startup kits to persons affected by leprosy and persons with disabilities in Kogi state who have shown unwavering determination, resilience, and the drive to excel in vocational training. We are here to recognize their potential, their talents, and their ambition to pursue their dreams and aspirations”.

She said that the event was a testament to the power of opportunity and the belief that, when given the right resources and support, persons affected by leprosy and persons with disabilities can achieve greatness.

“It is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of these individuals, who have conquered obstacles and broken down barriers in their pursuit of skills and self-sufficiency.
The startup kits we are distributing today represent not just tools and equipment, but also the keys to a brighter future”. She noted

According to her “They are symbols of hope, potential, and self-sustainability. We have also put measures on ground to mentor and monitor all beneficiaries until when are able to stand on their own and we firmly believe that these individuals will use these tools not just for personal growth but also to contribute to our society, demonstrating the immense capabilities that lie within”.