TLMN targets 2,160 leapers, vulnerable persons for sustainable livelihood support

The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) has unveiled plans to empower 2,160 persons affected by leprosy, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups through improved access to sustainable livelihood opportunities by 2028.

Niger State Programme Officer of TLMN, Habila Daniel Diko, made disclosure after PAIC formation and project inception meeting in Minna, while outlining the organisation’s development agenda, noting that the initiative will run until December 2028 across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and in five states that include Kogi, Niger, Kebbi, Kwara and Sokoto.

Diko said the programme is designed to support persons affected by leprosy, persons with disabilities, women and girls, youths, smallholder farmers, community groups, civil society organisations, and vulnerable rural households.

According to him, more than 300 civil society organisations will also benefit from capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening advocacy efforts and influencing public policies on environmental sustainability and climate-smart agriculture.

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He explained that beneficiaries across the six participating states will gain access to sustainable livelihood opportunities through skills acquisition, technology-driven interventions, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Diko further revealed that the mission plans to train 1,500 male and female farmers on climate-resilient farming practices, disaster risk assessment, and preventive measures to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.

He added that the programme is anchored on key thematic areas, including climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, adaptive agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, gender equality, disability inclusion, and strengthened civil society participation.