By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
As part of its recovery process, the Yobe State Government in partnership with UN Women has trained and distributed start-up kits to 300 women and girls that have been affected by Boko Haram conflict and climate change in the state.
Making the presentation in Damaturu, the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Honourable, Yajalo Badama revealed a total of 15 Women Groups made up of 20 individuals each were drawn from Damaturu and Potiskum local government areas to benefit from the empowerment programme.
“Today we are witnessing the graduation and distribution of start-up kits to 300 beneficiaries. Each group would benefit from a start-up kit making a total of 15 groups of 20 each. I therefore urge you not to sell out the items, as we have put in place measures including security men to monitor any group that may attempt to sell it”.
Earlier in their remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Zainab Mohammed Ago and Director Women Affairs, Fatsuma Hassan Yusuf revealed the beneficiaries underwent intensive four months training.
“The items we are giving you today include a groundnut oil extracting machine and spices making machines. This is aimed at enhancing the recovery and resilience of 300 of you that have been affected by either conflict or climate change” they said.
Giving an overview of the project, the representative of the UN Women, Mister Olaniyi Aderibigbe explained the 300 beneficiaries were trained on agro-processing. According to him the project was funded by the Government of Japan under UN Women and implemented by the Yobe state government.
Aderibigbe further explained the aim was to empower them to recover from the devastation of Boko Haram conflict and climate change.
Some leaders of the benefitting groups, Hadiza Ali and Maryam Mohammed thanked both the UN Women and the Yobe state government for bringing succor to their lives and pledged not to sell them.
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