By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) says it is investing ₦228.3 million in an integrated skills and enterprise development initiative in fives states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This is contained in a statement by the National Director of TLMN, Dr Sunday Udo, on Wednesday in Abuja
According.to him, the aimed of the investment is to improve access to sustainable livelihoods for 180 persons affected by leprosy and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“This will cut across 20 communities in Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Sokoto FCT.
“Beginning in October 2026, the selected beneficiaries will receive vocational skills training, enterprise management development and digital technology skills.
“They will also get start-up support designed to help them establish or strengthen livelihood activities and expand their access to markets and customers.
“The intervention forms part of TLMN Programme, a four-year programme being implemented by the Mission in collaboration with The Leprosy Mission Sweden, with funding support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
“The programme recognises that skills, opportunity and access to economic resources are critical to breaking the cycle of poverty, exclusion and dependency often experienced by persons affected by leprosy and PWDs,” Udo said.
He further explained that, the intervention combines practical vocational training with enterprise management and digital technology skills.
According to him, acquiring a trade or vocational skill is only one part of building a sustainable livelihood.
He added that, beneficiaries would be supported to develop the knowledge and digital capabilities needed to promote their products and services, reach wider markets and improve the sustainability of their enterprises.
“Our objective is to create pathways through which persons affected by leprosy and PWDs can build sustainable livelihoods, participate more fully in their communities and exercise greater economic independence.
“The beneficiaries have been identified from communities where the programme is working to strengthen community participation, inclusion, livelihoods and resilience.
“Community structures and local stakeholders are being engaged in the implementation process to promote transparency, ownership and sustainability.
“The initiative represents a significant investment in inclusive economic empowerment.
“It will also contribute to a broader vision of ensuring that persons affected by leprosy and PWDs are not excluded from opportunities to develop their skills,
“Similarly, it will enable them establish enterprises and contribute to the economic and social development of their communities,” Udo said.
He said through its collaboration with TLM Sweden and funding support from Sida, TLMN remained committed to working with communities and partners to advance sustainable livelihoods and inclusion for persons affected by leprosy and PWDs.(NAN)
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
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