55 lepers through a leprosy initiative by Hope’s Door foundation are set to be empowered from shoe-making acquisition.
This was revealed at a charity event for the leprosy Shoe factory initiative in Abuja where the Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dr. Garba Abari revealed that NOA is passionate about the project as it will be doing part of its core functions.
"We are going to make our platform available especially in the area where these colonies are sited for sensitisation, advocacy, education and community support." He said.
While commending the initiative, Abari said the initiative is very significant in combating the stigma associated with the ugly scourge both culturally and socially.
He said "this is something we really need to look at, they are human beings afflicted by a curable disease that has affected their dignity. This initiative brings back the sense of being love and rebuilds the dignity of the people.”
The Founder, Hope’s Door Foundation (HDF), Mrs Iby Ikotidem, said the initiative aims to fight against poverty, isolation and stigmatization of lepers.
She disclosed that the several interactions and visits of HDF to the leprosy center in Ekpene Obom, Akwa Ibom state exposed the rudimentary and gross inadequacy of shoe making facility in the colony despite the enormous need for orthopedic shoes.
Ikotidem added that the sourced fund will help erect a standard and sustainable shoe factory, renovate existing properties and equip the facility with needed tools to empower the lepers and their families.
