The Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Dr Aisha Mohammed, on Monday distributed various empowerment items to no fewer than 500 women in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of the items distributed, to make the beneficiaries self -reliant, includes sewing machines, knitting machines as well as cash to start-up their businesses.
NAN reports that the intervention, which was held at Alkaleri council secretariat, was made under Al-Muhibbah Foundation, the pet project of Mohammed.
Speaking at the occasion, Mohammed said that women were vulnerable members of the society who should be empowered, hence the need for such intervention.
“The project was initiated to empower women considering that they are vulnerable in the society.
“I also call on government at all levels, Non-Governmental Organisations, philanthropists to focus more on women and the youth.
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“The call has become imperative considering the high rate of unemployment leading to poverty in our society,” she said.
Mr Mohammed commended efforts of the state government in the empowerment of the people particularly its poverty alleviation programmes.
Earlier, Chairman, Care-taker Committee, Alkaleri LGA, Yusuf Alkaleri, said that the foundation would also empower 300 Almajiri children and some physically-challenged people to uplift them.
Lawal Yahaya, State Director, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, urged the youth and women to access the Central Bank’s loan through the directorate.
He also urged them to strive to become entrepreneurs by enrolling in training programmes conducted by NDE across the state.
NAN reports that the foundation also inaugurated a skills acquisition centre to boost vocational and ICT training in the area.
NAN
