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Ibrahim at his workshop
Meet 40-year-old Ibrahim, who, despite his disability, has turned his challenges into strengths, demonstrating remarkable ability and resilience. Though he wasn’t born with a disability, a fire injury in 2007 severely affected his waist, leaving him unable to walk.
I wasn’t born this way," Ibrahim recalls. "I was severely injured during a fire incident while trying to rescue people. I got stuck and fell, which left me unable to walk. That incident changed my whole life. I was so depressed that I refused to go out for months because I didn’t know what else to do. My injury made it impossible for me to continue my farming business, so I resorted to begging on the streets. But I knew that wasn’t sustainable—I needed to find a steady source of income."
Determined to find strength amidst his disability, Ibrahim enrolled in a shoemaking training program, and ever since, he hasn’t looked back. With dedication and hard work, he has turned his new skills into a sustainable livelihood, proving that challenges can be transformed into opportunities.
"After I learned the skill, I started repairing shoes for people in my compound. Before I knew it, I began getting customers from the neighborhood. They told me my work was quick and better than others, and that's how I became the go-to person for shoe repairs in my area," Ibrahim shared with pride.
Despite the progress in his business, the prevailing conflict in Jibia has hindered its expansion, particularly given the cross-border dynamics that are crucial for growth. Security challenges have disrupted trade routes and strained relationships with neighboring communities, limiting access to essential markets and resources. This has not only stifled potential business opportunities but has also increased operational costs and risks, making it difficult for businesses like Ibrahim’s to scale and reach full potential.
In addition to insecurity, Ibrahim did not have the financial capacity to expand his business. He had the skills to make shoes but lacked the funds to purchase raw materials, which were quite expensive. This financial barrier limited his ability to expand his business as much as he wanted to.
"I was really excited when I was selected to benefit from the training and grants provided by UNDP," Ibrahim shared. "It shows that indeed no one is left behind, including persons with disabilities. We were treated equally, and every opportunity given to others was also given to us. After receiving the grant of 150,000 Naira, I purchased a shoe filling machine and some high-quality leather. This has allowed me to expand my business. I now make good leather shoes and sell them for a decent amount. This has really helped me and my family."
Ibrahim now aspires to expand his business and eventually open his own shop. He is also passionate about training others, especially youth, in shoemaking and repair. Currently, he already has apprentices under his guidance and is eager to welcome more, sharing his skills to help others build sustainable livelihoods.
