LTR empowers 25 leprosy-affected persons with vocational skills
Emmanuel Onuh
JOS — In a bid to combat social exclusion and poverty, the Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief Nigeria (LTR) has empowered 25 persons affected by leprosy with specialized vocational skills to foster independence and self-reliance.
The initiative, themed “Empowerment of Persons Affected by Leprosy Through Art and Craft in Nigeria,” culminated in an exhibition of products in Jos, showcasing the talents of beneficiaries under the “Breaking Stigma Through Building Stories” project.
The project, implemented by LTR and funded by the Virtutis Opus Foundation through Netherlands Leprosy Relief (NLR), provided intensive training in shoemaking, bag production, belt crafting, photography, and cinematography.
Speaking at the event, the Plateau State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, described the program as a transformative milestone for the state.
“Leprosy is not a justification for exclusion. These beneficiaries are already using these skills to support their families and pay school fees. This project proves that affected persons are equal members of our community,” the Commissioner stated.
To ensure the sustainability of the trainees’ businesses, the Commissioner pledged ₦5 million on behalf of the state government, promising further investments in infrastructure to enhance market access for their products.
Earlier, the Executive Director of LTR, Dr. Tahir Dahiru, represented by the Head of Administration, Naomi Iye Idako, noted that the initiative was designed to restore dignity to a marginalized group.
“This project goes beyond skills acquisition; it is about rewriting narratives and amplifying voices long silenced by stigma. Each product on display represents courage and the triumph of the human spirit over physical limitations,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Markus Ali expressed gratitude to the partners, noting that the training has restored their sense of identity.
“Many of us felt forgotten and without hope. Today, we have regained our confidence and the ability to provide for our families,” Ali said.
The exhibition featured a documentary of the beneficiaries’ journeys and a display of handcrafted items presented to government officials, signaling a shift from dependency to productivity for the leprosy-affected community in Plateau.
