Skills: JONAPWD urges NDE to provide more opportunities for members

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Nigeria, has urged the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to provide more opportunities for its members for skills acquisition.

Mr Solomon Yahaya, JONAPWD National Publicity Secretary, made the plea while speaking to newsmen on Monday in Lokoja, Kogi.

Yahaya, who acknowledged that the NDE had done a lot for the association, said it would not be too much if more opportunities were opened to more of its members in 2026.

“As we enter 2026, we humbly request that you the NDE should continue to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in its programmes, acquire skills, and access empowerment opportunities.

“We commend the outstanding efforts of the NDE management in promoting inclusive development and empowerment in Nigeria, particularly for persons with disabilities, women, and youth, ” he said.

He said the present leadership of the NDE had been instrumental in ensuring that it’s programmes were accessible and beneficial to all, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“Indeed, your commitment to creating a level playing field is truly commendable,” he said.

He pointed out that the skills acquired by his members have greatly helped in pulling some of them out of poverty in Kogi and Nigeria at large.

Yahaya thanked the management of the NDE for its empathetic and inclusive approach to training, saying it had led to unprecedented opportunities for persons with disabilities across Nigeria.

According to him, JONAPWD Nigeria looked forward to continued collaboration with the NDE for the economic growth and development of Nigeria.