Commission targets N70bn for farm centres to empower persons with disabilities

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has unveiled plans to raise N70 billion for the establishment of farm centres across Nigeria, a move aimed at pulling millions of persons with disabilities into agriculture and boosting food production nationwide. Speaking at the inauguration of the local planning committee in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of […]

The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has unveiled plans to raise N70 billion for the establishment of farm centres across Nigeria, a move aimed at pulling millions of persons with disabilities into agriculture and boosting food production nationwide.

Speaking at the inauguration of the local planning committee in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Ayuba Burki Gufwan, said the initiative would begin with centres in each of the six geopolitical zones before expanding to all 36 states, 774 local governments, districts, and communities. “We call it the local planning committee for the establishment of farm centres across the 36 states of Nigeria. We are situating in one each in each of the six geopolitical zones, but it will trickle down to all communities in Nigeria,” he explained.

Gufwan stressed that the project is designed to provide persons with disabilities a platform to showcase their talents in farming-related businesses. “It is agreed that there is ability in disability. One of their biggest challenges has always been the absence of the stage for them to showcase the talent, the abilities that abound in them. With these farm centres, we will kick-start crop production, animal production, fishery, and all manner of value additions to agriculture,” he said.

He noted that the committee’s primary assignment is to mobilize the N70bn required, with contributions expected from state governments, the federal government, development partners, private businesses, and philanthropic individuals. “It’s huge, yes, but with the right determination and focus, we’re going to hit the target by the grace of God,” he added.

Highlighting the broader impact, Gufwan said the initiative would lift millions of persons with disabilities out of unemployment, improve their economic status, and strengthen Nigeria’s food security. He argued that Nigeria should emulate countries like the Netherlands, which despite limited land, have become major food exporters through modern agricultural science.

“Already, governors of Bauchi and Akwa Ibom have donated large hectares of land to support the project,” he added.