Bauchi govt. empowers 9,000 youths, women with N1.35bn

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, inaugurating the distribution of empowerment tools in Alkaleri on Saturday, disclosed that the state government has distributed economic strengthening items worth N1.35 billion to 9,000 youths and women in 18 of the 20 Local Government Areas.

The state government had earlier distributed economic strengthening items worth N75 million to 500 beneficiaries in each of the local government areas.

The governor at the inauguration, disclosed that the kits and vehicles were provided through the Kaura Economic and Empowerment Programme (KEEP), initiated by his administration. 

Governor Bala Mohammed stated that the programme had covered 90 per cent of the state having reached 18 of the 20 LGAs. 

He said  that the programme had been designed to boost economic activities in order to address problems of unemployment and poverty alleviation among the people especially, the vibrant youths and women. 

“An average of N75 million in both cash and kind had been distributed to selected beneficiaries in each of the local governments where the programme had so far been launched.

“The same gesture is being replicated here today in Kirfi and Alkaleri LGAs,” Mohammed said.

The governor reiterated government’s  commitment to infrastructure development in education, healthcare, roads and security.

He added, “we are not only building schools and the rest, we must fight poverty.”

The items distributed included motorcycles, grinding machines, sewing machines, galaxy Sharon buses, groundnut processing equipment, goats to encourage animal husbandry and cash.  

The two local government areas yet to be covered are Bauchi and Katagum.