African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, & Development

During our field engagements in Awka, Anambra State, we met Mrs. Gloria Nwafor, a member of the WIFE Project and the Coordinator of CAPCADF PWDs Centre LSD (Awka) Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd.

Mrs. Gloria’s inclusion in the Livelihood Support Training for Women in Frontline Extractive Communities (WIFE) project was informed by the outstanding impact of her earlier community work under the ILI Fellowship.

Through Centre LSD’s Livelihood Support Training for Women in Frontline Extractive Communities (WIFE) project, Mrs. Gloria received a grant to expand economic opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) - a group often excluded from access to finance and livelihoods. What followed is the kind of impact that should motivate any new week:

1. A 12-member PWD cooperative society was formed, serving as an umbrella for PWDs across Anambra State’s 21 LGAs

2. A revolving loan scheme was introduced for PWDs earning below ₦36,000 monthly, ensuring dignity, accountability, and sustainability

3. Small businesses in foodstuff trading, petty trading, and micro-enterprises received support

4. A PWD who once hawked sachet water now runs a fully set-up kiosk business, restoring stability and self-worth.

The cooperative invested collectively in a vegetable farm, which now cultivates over 300 bags of pumpkin leaves, peppers, and other vegetables. Simple innovations such as a home-based savings system and structured six-month loan repayment plans are helping beneficiaries develop financial discipline and long-term resilience.