Promasidor Nigeria Limited, in partnership with Children’s Development Centre (CDC), has unveiled a low-interest microcredit scheme aimed at empowering parents of children living with developmental challenges.
The scheme tagged, ‘We Too Can Grow’ takes off with a grant from Promasidor, manufacturers of Cowbell Milk, Top Tea, Onga seasoning and other quality food products. Five groups in Lagos and Ogun States, where the programme is taking off, have already signed up for the facility being disbursed through cooperatives.
The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Social Development, Mrs. Joyce Onafowokan, said at the launch that the state government would partner CDC and Promasidor to deepen the programme’s penetration. She commended Promasidor for its support towards uplifting the living standard of the target group.
She said: “Most people don’t know the pains parents of those children go through. Some of the parents do not have academic degrees. So, they need to be empowered and trained in skills to help them take care of their children. Medications of some of the kids are costly.
“The programme will boost the self-esteem of the parents. When you have a child with a disability and somebody steps up to say, ‘I will support you,’ the journey is easier. I feel very excited that this is coming from a corporate entity.
“It takes a community to raise a child, and this includes individuals, corporate entities and the government. Through this initiative, Promasidor has demonstrated that it is sincerely concerned about the total development of the country.”
Head of Legal and Corporate Communications, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Andrew Enahoro said the grant was motivated by the company’s desire to support the wholesome development of Nigeria and its special interest in the future of the youths.
“At Promasidor, we believe that no segment of the society should be ignored in building a nation. ‘We Too Can Grow’ is a way of saying that we recognise that children with special needs are bona fide members of the society. They have the right to pursue their dreams like other members of the society do,” he said.
