Business
THE International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has distributed 70 locally manufactured tricycles to Persons with physical Disabilities (PwDs) in Borno to enhance mobility, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
Diana Japaridze, Head of ICRC Sub-Delegation in Maiduguri, made the presentation at the Tricycle Workshop and Vocational Training Centre for PwPs on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
Japaridze said the initiative was part of broader efforts by the ICRC, in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society and Borno Government, to support recovery and resilience among vulnerable communities.
She said the leadership of the Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities requested ICRC support in 2023 to establish a dedicated tricycle workshop.
Japaridze said the dream had been realised with the inauguration of the workshop on June 15.
She said that mobility was the gateway to independence.
“The 70 custom-made tricycles produced here will help persons with physical disabilities overcome barriers, access education, earn a living and participate fully in their communities,” she said.
Japaridze said the centre had transformed from merely replacing a makeshift workshop destroyed by conflict more than a decade ago into a hub for empowerment and skills development.
She commended the association, technicians and beneficiaries for their resilience and commitment to making the initiative successful.
Speaking, Mr Abubakar Muhammad, Chairman of the Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Borno, said the workshop had produced 70 tricycles locally for distribution to members.
Muhammad also disclosed that sewing machines were distributed to beneficiaries to support livelihood activities.
“There is ability in disability. We appreciate the ICRC for providing the centre with solar power and the necessary equipment to produce the tricycles,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to shun street begging, utilise the tricycles responsibly and avoid abandoning them.
Hajiya Halima Chiroma, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who represented the Commissioner, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, commended the ICRC for the intervention.
Gambo promised that the state government would continue partnering with the ICRC and would support efforts to expand the workshop.
She urged the beneficiaries, particularly women, to utilise the sewing machines and tricycles wisely to improve their livelihoods. (NAN)
A.I
Sept. 2, 2026
Tags: Diana Japaridze