By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume”s empowerment scheme which was aimed at reducing poverty and empowering youth has been flagged off by the Deputy Governor of Borno State Umar Usman Kadafur at the government Lodge Biu Town.
The empowerment programme was presented to 9 LGA in Southern Borno, comprising of farmers’ empowerment programme, presented with 5 trucks of fertilisers and 2 trucks of maize seeds of improve varieties; young farmers empowerment programme, was presented with 3 trucks of fertiliser and one truck of maize seeds while the 1000 small traders were presented with N10m cheque.
Other beneficiaries include 1000 students, 1000 women and 100 youths were presented each with N10m cheque support programme.
In his address, Hon. Kadufur commended the selfless and relentless effort of Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume in promoting youth empowerment and economic growth of the state.
He also expressed optimistic that such humanitarian gesture would go a long way in post insurgency recovery process that would lead to job creation and other services for the well being of the people.
Hon. Kadafur urged the beneficiaries to be passionate in putting the items into proper use and see it as an opportunity to climb to an enviable level of prosperity.
Also in his speech, Senator Ndume said the era of political thuggery is over and the need for youths to be engage in farming activities or skill acquisition programmes to be self reliant is necessary that is why the event was organized.
According to him, he has selected farmers, women, students youths across the 9 LGA under his zone to benefit from the distribution of fertiliser and improved variety of seeds .
Senator Ndume, further, urged the beneficiaries to make maximum use of the opportunity to be self-reliant and sustained their businesses meant to improve their livelihood.
In their separate good will messages the representatives of Emir’s of Biu and Shani commended senator Ali Ndume for the empowerment scheme and the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.
Also speaking on behalf of the benefitting local governments, the Chairman of Kwaya kusar LG Council, Mr Samson Dibal appreciated the senator for the timely intervention and assured the judicious distribution of the items to the beneficiaries.