ABEOKUTA, Nigeria – June 1, 2025 | In a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s growing food crisis, Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise has empowered dozens of women with disabilities and vocational students through hands-on training in garri production, marking a groundbreaking effort to bridge disability inclusion with national food security.
The week-long training, which ran from May 24th to 30th at African Church Grammar School (Afrograms), Abeokuta, was led by Mr. Abayomi Soetan, CEO of Wheelchair Dreamz Enterprise and producer of Mr. Mogbo Moya Foods. Soetan, an alumnus of the host school, partnered with the Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP) to deliver the initiative.
With chants of “My disability is not inability!” filling the air, the participants—comprising women with physical disabilities and secondary school students—underwent practical and theoretical training in cassava processing, garri production, branding, packaging, and marketing.
“This isn’t just about food,” declared Soetan. “It’s about survival, empowerment, and national security. With Nigeria’s farming population aging and many youth abandoning agriculture, it’s persons with disabilities who will be hardest hit. That must change.”
OGADEP’s Mrs. Sodipo emphasized the economic potential of the program:
“This project will lift many women with disabilities out of poverty and prepare students to become agriculturally self-reliant.”
Extension expert Mrs. Aderinola urged professionalism, saying:
“Do it right. If you want your brand to stand out in the market, packaging and credibility matter.”
Sir Nicholas Olarewaju, representing the African Church Grammar School Old Students Association (ACGSOSA), inspired the audience during the certificate presentation:
“Be proud. This training is not charity—it’s strategy. You’re the solution Nigeria needs.”
Participants voiced deep appreciation. Onaoluwa Olaleye, a student, said:
“This showed me farming isn’t outdated. It’s power.”
While Mrs. Yinka Ileyemi, Chairperson of the Egba Zone of the National Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities, appealed to policymakers:
“The government must scale this. Disability is not a limitation—it’s a perspective.”
Applauding the organizers, Afrograms Vocational Head Mrs. Olujobi remarked:
“You’re making life better for the marginalized. This is impactful leadership.”
Mr. Soetan closed with heartfelt thanks to OGADEP, ACGSOSA, school officials, and the press for their unwavering support. All trainees were awarded certificates.
Soetan is a Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant recipient and International Breweries Foundation Kickstarter Awardee, with a Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension from FUNAAB, and is a former youth leader of the Joint National Association for Persons with Disabilities in Ogun State.
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