FG seeks support for marketing persons with disabilities

She made the call in Abuja during the closing ceremony of the national trade fair for exhibition of products made by persons with disabilities.Represented  by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya  Habiba Muda Lawal , she  called on families, individuals, philanthropists, non-governmental organizations and persons with disabilities themselves  to join efforts with government in […]

She made the call in Abuja during the closing ceremony of the national trade fair for exhibition of products made by persons with disabilities.
Represented  by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Hajiya  Habiba Muda Lawal , she  called on families, individuals, philanthropists, non-governmental organizations and persons with disabilities themselves  to join efforts with government in rehabilitating them,  saying government cannot do it alone.
She said one of the greatest challenges faced by persons with disabilities is that their expertise and skills are hidden as their products are not known, appreciated and patronized by the public leading to discouragement and lack of motivation.
Maina said the theme of this year’s trade fair: “showcasing the potentials of persons with disabilities for effective integration” was specifically designed to encourage and motivate persons with disabilities with skills and talents to exhibit or showcase quality and modern products produced by them.
The minister said the exhibition will create an avenue to expose these products to international marketers adding that the products displayed throughout the duration of the trade fair have shown that there is ability in disability.
One of the participants at the trade fair, Yahaya Yusuf from Gombe State who makes pillow cases called on persons with disabilities to try to acquire education and thereafter acquire vocational skills in order to be self reliant.
He said the programme has given him opportunity to showcase his craft and also learn from others.
Delegates from the 36 states of the federation participated in the conference. Lagos came first, Bauchi second while  Kebbi State came third.
The Principal of Nigerian Farm Craft Centre for the Blind, Lagos, Jummai Mohammed called for the establishment of a national supermarket where products by persons with disabilities can be displayed and sold particularly to foreign tourists. In addition she called for financial support for persons with disabilities who have acquired skills so that they can set up businesses of their own.