70 Persons With Disabilities Receive Tricycles From ICRC in Borno

By Ahmed Kaigama

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has distributed 70 locally manufactured tricycles to persons with physical disabilities in Borno to promote mobility, self-reliance and economic empowerment.

Diana Japaridze, Head of ICRC Sub-Delegation in Maiduguri, disclosed this on Tuesday in Maiduguri during the distribution ceremony at the Tricycle Workshop and Vocational Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities.

Japaridze said the initiative was part of broader efforts by the ICRC, in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society and Borno Government, to support recovery and resilience among vulnerable communities affected by conflict.

She recalled that the leadership of the Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities requested ICRC’s support to establish a dedicated tricycle workshop during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec. 3, 2023.

According to her, the dream was realised with the inauguration of the workshop on June 15, 2026.

“Mobility is the gateway to independence. The 70 custom-made tricycles produced here will help persons with physical disabilities overcome barriers, access education, earn a living and participate fully in their communities,” she said.

Japaridze said the centre had transformed from merely replacing a makeshift workshop destroyed by conflict more than a decade ago into a hub for empowerment and skills development.

She commended the association, technicians and beneficiaries for their resilience and commitment to making the initiative successful.

Mr Abubakar Muhammad, Chairman of the Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Borno, said the workshop had produced the 70 tricycles locally for distribution to members.

Muhammad also disclosed that chewing machines were distributed to beneficiaries to support livelihood activities.

“There is ability in disability. We appreciate the ICRC for providing the centre with solar power and the necessary equipment to produce the tricycles,” he said.

He urged beneficiaries to shun street begging, utilise the tricycles responsibly and avoid abandoning them.

Hajiya Halima Chiroma, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, who represented the Commissioner, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, commended the ICRC for the intervention.

Chiroma assured that the state government would continue partnering with the ICRC and would support efforts to expand the workshop.

She urged beneficiaries, particularly women, to utilise the chewing machines and tricycles wisely to improve their livelihoods.

NAN