The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) LIFE-ND Project has taken a significant step toward deepening inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Cross River State through a comprehensive consultative forum and stakeholder engagement meeting. The event brought together beneficiaries, government representatives, members of the Cross River State Disability Rights Commission, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for improving participation, inclusivity, and sustainability within the project.
By. Victoria Omini - CALABAR
The forum, which also featured a courtesy visit to the State Project Coordinator, Dr. Innocent M. Ogbin, created a platform for open dialogue, experience sharing, and policy alignment aimed at strengthening the impact of the LIFE-ND initiative among persons with disabilities across the state. Participants described the gathering as both timely and impactful, noting that it marked the first formal engagement of its kind since the inception of the project.
In her opening remarks, the Convener, Mrs. Ewor Myke Edet, Rural Institution Gender and Youth Officer of the project, expressed gratitude for the safe arrival of participants and highlighted the importance of the meeting in advancing inclusivity. She noted that while the project had previously engaged beneficiaries informally, the need for a structured and official forum became necessary to drive better coordination and long-term planning.
Mrs. Edet disclosed that the project has so far empowered about 196 persons with disabilities, a milestone she described as commendable but insufficient given the growing need for inclusion. She stressed that the project aims to go beyond this figure and reach more individuals across communities.
She further explained that the LIFE-ND Project operates in selected areas, covering ten local government areas and one hundred communities, with a target of ensuring that at least five percent of beneficiaries are persons with disabilities. However, she acknowledged that this target has not been fully achieved due to challenges in identifying and mobilising eligible participants in some communities.
According to her, some communities often claim that there are no persons with disabilities, only for a few individuals to later emerge, a situation that has hindered accurate representation and inclusion. She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with the Cross River State Disability Rights Commission to develop a comprehensive database that would facilitate outreach and participation.
Mrs. Edet also highlighted the project’s commitment to accessibility, noting that deliberate efforts are made to ensure that venues and activities are inclusive and convenient for persons with disabilities. She recounted the difficulty in securing suitable venues for the forum, explaining that accessibility considerations influenced both the choice of location and the number of participants invited.
She explained that the project categorises persons with disabilities into those who can function independently and those who require caregivers, ensuring that support reaches all categories effectively. For individuals who require assistance, caregivers are selected by the beneficiaries themselves to prevent diversion of resources.
The forum featured emotional and inspiring testimonies from beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed through the project. One participant narrated how he moved from a life of rejection and isolation to becoming economically empowered, married, and socially recognised within his community.
He recounted how he was trained, supported, and eventually became a mentor, adding that he now owns assets and contributes meaningfully to society. Despite these gains, he raised concerns about persistent discrimination at the local government level, particularly in political participation and leadership opportunities.
Another testimony highlighted the harsh realities faced by a woman who had never experienced basic comfort or dignity until she encountered the LIFE-ND Project. Her story of transformation from begging for survival to becoming self-reliant drew empathy and reinforced the need for sustained intervention.
Participants also shared broader reflections on societal attitudes, pointing to low self-esteem and inferiority complex as major barriers limiting the potential of persons with disabilities. One contributor narrated a personal encounter with a physically challenged university student who funded his education through skill and determination, describing the experience as life-changing.
She stressed that confidence and self-worth are critical, adding that individuals must overcome internal limitations to fully benefit from opportunities available to them. She also cited examples of persons with disabilities thriving in marriage and social life, attributing their success to strong self-belief.
Another participant spoke on efforts to support a young hearing and speech impaired girl struggling with social anxiety, explaining how trust-building and communication through writing have helped the girl gradually regain confidence and interact with others.
The State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mr.Ekpenyong Essien, who also serves as Executive Chairman of the State Disability Rights Commission, used the forum to emphasise the importance of appropriate language and respectful engagement. He clarified that the correct terminology is persons with disabilities, while terms such as blind or deaf and dumb should be avoided in favour of visually impaired and speech and hearing impaired.
He outlined the five recognised clusters of disabilities in the state, including visually impaired, speech and hearing impaired, physically challenged, spinal cord injured, and persons with albinism. He noted that the state has established structures across all local government areas to coordinate activities and advocacy efforts.
He also debunked misconceptions about social limitations, stating that persons with disabilities are capable of achieving success in all areas of life, including marriage, leadership, and entrepreneurship. According to him, self-presentation and mindset play a crucial role in shaping societal response.
Another advocate highlighted the role of education as a transformative tool, sharing his personal journey from despair to becoming a university graduate, farmer, and local government leader. He credited education and determination for his achievements and encouraged others to pursue learning as a pathway to empowerment.
A media practitioner, Mr. Ukorebi Essien, at the forum commended IFAD LIFE-ND for its impact but raised concerns about sustainability. He called on the State Disability Commission and government to develop structures that will sustain the initiative beyond donor funding.
He also advocated for decentralisation and proper equipping of special education centres to improve access for persons with disabilities in rural communities, noting that distance and infrastructure remain significant barriers.
The State Project Coordinator, Dr. Innocent Ogbin, reaffirmed the project’s focus on unemployed and underemployed youths, women, and persons with disabilities. He emphasised that the initiative is designed to promote self-reliance rather than dependency.
He disclosed that about 196 persons with disabilities have been engaged under the project, benefiting from interventions across agricultural value chains such as cassava, rice, fish, and poultry production.
Mr. Ogbin explained that the project adopts an incubation model that connects beneficiaries with experienced mentors who provide practical training in production, processing, and marketing. He added that beneficiaries are supported with resources to establish their own businesses after training.
He also highlighted the project’s integrated approach, which includes environmental sustainability, nutrition, and health. Beneficiaries are encouraged to adopt organic farming practices, establish homestead gardens, and ensure proper food handling and preparation.
According to him, the project promotes climate-smart agriculture, including the use of organic manure and environmentally friendly practices that preserve soil fertility and improve long-term productivity.
He stressed that the project also considers the health and well-being of beneficiaries, encouraging them to produce and consume nutritious food rather than relying solely on market purchases.
Mr. Ogbin urged beneficiaries to take ownership of the opportunities provided, noting that some participants have shown a lack of commitment. He encouraged peer motivation and community outreach to expand participation.
Stakeholders at the forum commended IFAD LIFE-ND for its inclusive approach and life-changing impact, calling for stronger collaboration with the Disability Commission and other partners to scale up interventions.
They emphasised the need for continuous awareness, sensitisation, and advocacy to change societal perceptions and promote full inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Participants also called for greater political inclusion, noting that persons with disabilities are often marginalised in leadership and decision-making processes despite their contributions.
The forum concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening partnerships, expanding outreach, and sustaining the gains recorded so far. Participants expressed optimism that with continued collaboration and dedication, persons with disabilities will play a more active role in driving economic growth and community development across Cross River State.
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