From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, on Tuesday launched a multi-pronged intervention programme targeting grassroots beneficiaries and women across the state.
The flagship initiative is a N300 Million Micro-Enterprise Grant disbursed to 1,500 beneficiaries from the displaced community of Malum Dunari in Gujba Local Government Area.
Each beneficiary will receive N200,000 to restart or expand a small business, following comprehensive entrepreneurial training.
Governor Buni, speaking at the launch, stated the grant highlighting his administration’s dedication to fostering “recovery, stabilization, and durable solutions”for communities ravaged by insurgency, displacement, and economic hardship.
“This intervention complements the massive investments already ongoing in agriculture and infrastructure across Gujba LGA,”the Governor said.
He highlighted concurrent projects in the neighboring host community of Goniri, including a new Primary Healthcare Centre, motorized boreholes, and solar streetlights, aimed at improving security and quality of life.
In a parallel empowerment drive to mark International Women’s Day, the state government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, presented starter packs to 340 women selected from all 17 Local Government Areas.
Each beneficiary received a package containing a cooking gas cylinder, a micro-oven, a mixer, and a bag of flour, designed to launch small-scale pastry businesses.
Governor Buni urged all beneficiaries to use the resources judiciously. “You are the lucky few that were selected out of thousands,” he reminded them, calling for the initiatives to be leveraged as sustainable sources of income.
Dr. Muhammadu Goje, Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), confirmed the structured rollout of the micro-grants, ensuring beneficiaries are equipped with both capital and business skills.
The dual initiative represents a concerted effort by the Yobe State Government to stimulate local economies, support vulnerable populations, and accelerate durable resettlement in areas recovering from conflict.
