Adamawa and NGO establish digital empowerment center for women and disabled people

Adamawa State Government, in partnership with Debbie Kauna Foundation, has inaugurated the state’s first digital empowerment center designed to benefit persons with disabilities in Michika and Madagali Local Government Areas.

The center, which is part of the post-insurgency strategy of the Nigerian Humanitarian Fund in collaboration with UN Women, aims to provide access to information technology for marginalized groups, especially women and girls with disabilities, and promote their full participation and equality in society.

Speaking at the launch held in Shuwa, Madagali and Michika Central on Thursday, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri emphasized the importance of the initiative represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Neido Kofulto.

“This digital hub will help close the IT gap experienced by marginalized groups in the province,” Kofulto said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting local and international development partners.

Kofulto praised the Debbie Kauna Foundation for securing the grant that facilitated the establishment of IT infrastructure and acknowledged the administration’s ongoing support of similar projects aimed at empowering vulnerable communities.

Chimda Musa, Socio-Economic Officer of the Foundation, stated that the center was made possible through funding from NHF and a collaborative partnership with UN Women aimed at promoting socio-economic participation of underserved communities.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of Debbie Kauna Foundation, Deborah Bubwa, described the center as a multi-purpose facility designed primarily for people with disabilities, but also serves as a hub for various online registrations, including JAMB and WAEC, thanks to its 24-hour openness. solar powered lighting system.

“The center was established to bridge the gap in IT infrastructure for people with disabilities who have been marginalized for years in Michika and Madagali,” Bubwa said.

He added: “Although it is dedicated to people with disabilities, it also serves the wider community for educational purposes.

“This center showcases their capacities and talents by connecting them to the global world. Many are rebuilding their lives after the uprising, and this center offers them the chance to do so more effectively.”

The event was attended by council officials, traditional leaders and representatives from various disability groups and the Adamawa Non-Governmental Organizations Network.

During the ceremony, participants were screened for hearing and visual impairments to determine their suitability for assistive devices.

Notably, Kofulto also participated in the screening process.

A total of 320 assistive devices were earmarked for distribution to beneficiaries in the two local government areas, further enhancing their ability to access digital resources and improving their quality of life.