In a concerted effort to foster inclusion and promote economic empowerment, over 100 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and individuals with special needs have benefitted from a three-day enterprise training programme organized by Girls to Women Research and Development Centre (G2W) in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), with support from the MasterCard Foundation.
The capacity-building programme, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, featured participants drawn from various groups including persons with albinism, the physically challenged, the visually impaired, and the hearing impaired.
The training formed part of the ongoing Transforming Nigerian Youths Project, an initiative designed to equip young Nigerians with practical entrepreneurial skills to build and sustain thriving businesses.
Speaking at the grand finale, Executive Director of G2W, Hon. Olamide Falana, said the training was a deliberate move to ensure persons with special needs are not left behind in economic development initiatives.
“Participants were exposed to key modules in business development such as marketing, accounting, financial planning, and growth strategy. Our seasoned facilitators ensured that the training was interactive and practical to help participants identify gaps in their businesses and develop solutions,” she said.
Falana also emphasized the importance of raising awareness on health and human rights issues, urging participants to speak out against gender-based violence and utilize the provisions of the VAPP (Violence Against Persons Prohibition) Law in Ondo State through channels like OSAAGBV.
She further encouraged routine breast self-examination, especially among women, stressing that “health is wealth.”
In her remarks, EDC Coordinator Mrs. Jane Omojori said the Transforming Nigerian Youths project, now in its fifth year, has reached several states across Nigeria, impacting thousands of young entrepreneurs.
“This project, supported by MasterCard Foundation, focuses on teaching participants how to structure and sustain their businesses. It’s not just theory—we engage participants in practical sessions tailored to real business challenges. The goal is to help them run businesses that can stand the test of time,” she explained.
Delivering a goodwill message, Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Lolade Gbegudu, commended the resilience and enthusiasm of the participants.
He urged them to utilize the knowledge gained to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.
At the event also was the Chairman of OSRC Media Group, Hon. Kenneth Odusola, ably represented by Hon. Collin Olagundoye, who used the opportunity to congratulate the beneficiaries, noting that the knowledge they had acquired was an asset that could never be taken away.
One major highlight of the day is the presentation of certificates to all participants and to further sustain their interest, participants were supported with stipends ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦27,500 to cover transportation and other logistics, demonstrating the organizers’ commitment to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
Several beneficiaries who spoke during the closing session expressed gratitude to G2W and EDC for the opportunity. They noted that the training opened their eyes to new business techniques, proper customer relations, and financial discipline, promising to apply the lessons learned in their enterprises.
The training is a landmark initiative in bridging the economic gap for persons with special needs in Ondo State and fostering an inclusive environment for entrepreneurial growth.
