Gov. Buni Flags -Off Phase III Distribution Of Empowerment Materials To 2,650 Micro, Medium Businesses,
Warn Beneficiaries Against Sales
By Yusuf Ali, Damaturu
Urges Prayers For Successful Inauguration At Home, Peaceful Transition At National Level
H.E Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON has flagged-off the distribution of Phase III empowerment materials to Micro, Small and Medium Businesses/Individuals through the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
The programme, which is part of the lined up of programmes of events for the Second Term inauguration of the governor and his deputy took place yesterday at the Event Centre, Government House and its well attended.
In his address during the occasion, Gov. Buni said the empowerment is a continuation of the effort towards driving employment generation and wealth creation in post insurgency recovery and strategies for sustainable development in the state.
“It is my sincere belief that our drive in the various empowerment packages would speed up our post-insurgency recovery and wealth creation for stability and prosperity”.
He said the Phase III of the programme will cover over 2,250 beneficiaries selected across the state. “Today, we are distributing 1,900 Irrigation Water Pumps and Accessories, 125 Commercial Pick-Up Tricycles also known as JEGA and 125 Commercial Tricycles or Keke NAPEP.
“In addition, about 500 youth from rural communities would be empowered and supported with skill-acquisition materials such as Sewing Machines, Barbing Saloon Kits, Pasta-Making Machines and Hairdressing Materials”.
“This is in conformity with the maxim of teaching the people “how to catch fish” rather than making them depend on a “fish handout”.
Gov. Buni enjoined the beneficiaries of the empowerment to ensure that they put the items given to them into proper use and avoid selling them so as to appreciate government’s efforts and be on the same page with the government in the fight against poverty.
“Let me also announce that Government has set some mechanisms in place to monitor the beneficiaries in their various trades”.
He called on the good people of Yobe State to pray for a very successful inauguration at home, and a very peaceful transition at the national level adding that they should also not forget to pray for a bumper harvest and the prosperity of the state and country.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, said the empowerment is largely to support small scale businesses and individuals.
He commended Gov. Buni for his foresight in the creation of the Ministry of Empowerment, and making economic empowerment of the people of the state as an integral part of his administration’s agenda.
It will recall that, Gov. Buni has launched the Phase I and II of the empowerment programmes which comprised the distribution of 100 units of Toyota Avensus Cars loaned out to 100 beneficiaries at 50 percent discount.
Over 400 widows, 254 vulnerable persons and 1,600 small and Medium-Scale businessmen and women were also supported with working materials and cash support for various trades.
