Participants at the recently concluded Jobberman Forum for Persons with Disabilities in Kano have praised the event for not only inspiring confidence but also providing real pathways to business and career advancement.
Organised by Jobberman Nigeria in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Forum provided a platform for participants to learn new skills, gain valuable insights, and find renewed hope for the future.
Reflecting on the experience, Binta Abdulahi Usman, a participant, shared: “Our disability is only in our body, not in our minds. From this program, I have learnt that we can do anything we put our minds to if we have the right tools and opportunity.”
Highlighting the unique challenges faced by people with albinism, Hajiya Mariya Ishaq, Leader at the Albino Foundation, said: “We have issues with short-sightedness and inability to work under the sun, which causes skin cancers. It is always difficult to get jobs, particularly within government offices. Even as business owners, we face discrimination because people don’t want to buy from us.”
In addition to panel discussions and one-on-one career advisory and counselling sessions, the Forum featured an Entrepreneurship Workshop led by David Okoroafor, Programme Officer at Sightsavers, where participants learned essential steps to starting and growing their businesses. “Don’t give up. Try to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Starting a business is difficult, but it is fun,” he encouraged.
Speaking on Jobberman’s broader commitment, Innih Ikhide, Head, Youth Engagement, Learning and Development, Jobberman Nigeria, emphasised that the Forum is part of a long-term inclusive strategy. “Jobberman Nigeria is particularly focused on sustainable inclusive practices, and so we are not just delivering events alone. Our Leads Generation Partner in Kano State will offer free business registration support for participants with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and also provide free entrepreneurship and soft skills training. Employers will soon be able to access free recruitment services via our upcoming Job Centre in Kano.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Binta Bala, Director of the Department of Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, Kano State, called for systemic change. “Accessibility design must no longer be optional; it must be mandatory. By investing in accessible vocational and skills training, we can empower persons with disabilities with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” she said.
The Forum also featured goodwill remarks from Hajia Sadiya Abdu Bichi, Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor for Women, Children and the Disabled, and a panel session with Engr. Musa Shaga, Chairman, JONAPWD Kano State Chapter; Hajiya Mariya Ishaq, and Hussaina Umar, Deputy Director, Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disabled.
