The Federal Government has announced plans to empower the Chibok community in Borno State with farming equipment and other skill acquisition accessories valued at N210 million. The initiative aims to revitalize the economy of the area following the unsettling events in 2014, particularly the kidnapping of schoolgirls from the Girls Secondary School in Chibok.
Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, revealed this during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Chibok community, led by its District Head, Engr. Ahmadu Usman, in her office in Abuja.
Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that the funds were generated after consulting with the management of the American University, Yola. It was agreed that 50% of the monies paid by the federal government as school fees for the kidnapped Chibok girls, who were later released, should be reinvested to assist the affected families and the community in improving their standard of living.
The minister emphasized transparency in the government’s actions and outlined the specific items that would be purchased with the funds to benefit the affected families. She expressed the government’s commitment to the wellbeing of children, women, and vulnerable individuals in society.
Kennedy-Ohanenye highlighted that in collaboration with the American University, industrial machines for rice and corn milling, solar pumping machines for irrigation farming, fish grilling machines, sewing machines, tricycle trucks, and other items would be procured. This initiative aims to enhance the community’s means of livelihood and contribute to socio-economic growth and development.
Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women’s Development, Dr. Asabe Bashir, emphasized that the empowerment of the Chibok community would restore hope and urged the beneficiaries to actively participate in the project for the transformation of their living standards.
In response, the District Head of the Chibok community, Engr. Ahmadu Usman, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Women Affairs for the initiative. He assured that when the equipment is procured, the community will use them effectively for the benefit of the affected families and the overall development of the community, state, and nation.