Kebbi state empowers 20,000 beneficiaries with N200 million livelihood support
In a bid to alleviate poverty and promote self-employment, the Kebbi State government has begun the disbursement of N200 million as livelihood support grants to 20,000 beneficiaries under the second phase of the Kebbi-cares program.
The Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Umar Tafida, officially launched the second phase of the program at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi.
During the ceremony, he expressed his delight at the opportunity to improve the lives of citizens through such initiatives and thanked Allah for the chance to make a positive impact.
Senator Tafida emphasized the importance of addressing youth idleness, which often leads to poverty and hardship. He praised the administration of Dr. Nasir Idris for implementing intervention programs like the livelihood support grants, aimed at helping people become self-employed and reducing poverty.
The Deputy Governor urged the beneficiaries to make responsible use of the grants and engage in meaningful trades that would not only support them but also create employment opportunities for others in the future. He commended the KB-Cares Program for its efforts in reaching out to the most vulnerable members of society.
During the event, some of the beneficiaries received N100,000 each through ATM cards, while similar presentations were made by the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, and a representative of the Emir of Gwandu.
Hajiya A’isha Usman, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, explained that the program aimed to expand livelihood opportunities for the poor and vulnerable, contributing to food security.
She revealed that Kebbi State was the only state in Nigeria providing up to N100,000 as support, whereas other states offered only N30,000 to beneficiaries. This accomplishment had earned commendation from the World Bank.
The State Coordinator of the program, Hajiya Rukayya Muhammad Bawa, stated that over 28,000 beneficiaries (both males and females) were targeted to engage in profitable ventures, with a particular focus on agriculture.
The program also included the conversion of water schemes to solar power, construction of feeder roads, and additional classrooms in towns and villages across the state, supported by the World Bank.
One of the beneficiaries, Hajiya Maiburuji Gwandu, expressed gratitude to the State Government for the support, especially to women, as it had significantly improved their economic status.
