A total of 70 vulnerable residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received a combined empowerment grant of seven million Naira following support facilitated by the Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI).
The beneficiaries, including Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), were given the grants after completing a three-day entrepreneurship training held in Gwagwalada.
JDPCI’s Executive Director, Rev. Sebastian Sanni, disclosed this during the closing ceremony on Sunday, noting that the programme was carried out in partnership with Christian Blind Mission (CBM) International.
Sanni stated that the initiative aligns with the vision of Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama to extend support to the most vulnerable groups.
He explained that the recipients were selected based on verified need and ongoing struggles in sustaining their businesses.
According to him, a monitoring team has already been constituted to follow up on the beneficiaries’ progress over the next quarter.
He also hinted at plans to expand the empowerment programme to other area councils within the FCT.
In her remarks, JDPCI’s Programmes Director, Mr Timothy Ejeh, said PWDs and other marginalised groups had long been excluded, stressing that the initiative proves their potential to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He noted that the empowerment, implemented under the Bold Action to Strengthen Inclusive Care in Communities (BASICC) project, aims to promote the Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) model.
Beneficiaries also shared their experiences.
Mrs Comfort Shewa described the training as an eye-opener, saying it improved her understanding of business planning, bookkeeping and income strategies.
Ms Sarah Ijanmi, who spoke through a sign language interpreter, expressed appreciation for the inclusive nature of the programme, adding that she had learned important business management skills.
Similarly, Mr Abdul Rojali said the training shifted his mindset from simply running a business to adopting an entrepreneurial approach. He added that the support would boost their capacity, improve market reach and strengthen financial discipline.
Rojali noted the positive ripple effect the intervention would have on households and communities, adding that the initiative would ultimately improve their livelihoods and promote inclusive growth across the FCT.