The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, said it has empowered 100 vulnerable women and girls in Yobe State.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Gwarzo, made this known while inaugurating the empowerment programme on Thursday in Damaturu.
He said the women, drawn from the 17 local government areas, were taught various skills, which include groundnut oil extraction, soap and Vaseline making, as well as tailoring.
Dr. Gwarzo explained that the aim of the programme was to facilitate the protection and ensure proper reintegration of women and girls affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
The permanent secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Social Inclusion and Protection, Mr. Peter Audu, further said the empowerment was to also ensure self-reliance among women and girls.
He said, “The aim of the programme is to facilitate protection and ensure proper reintegration of women and girls affected by the Boko Haram insurgency and for self-reliance,” he added.
Dr. Gwarzo decried that a considerable number of married women have become single, heads of households and sole decision-makers due to kidnapping, death, or separation from their spouses.
“Women in the north-east face constraints that manifest as social and economic norms, limiting their opportunities.
“As part of our comprehensive approach to provide an end-to-end solution to women’s social and economic challenges, we analysed and evaluated skill acquisition programmes.
“We consequently identified 100 vulnerable women and girls for empowerment, drawn from the 17 local government
areas. The training are in groundnut oil extraction, soap and Vaseline making, tailoring, among others.
“In line with the ministry’s mandate, the trainees will be supported with N20, 000 each to help them generate activities that will support and encourage their economic stability and resilience,” he said.
Gwarzo commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for supporting the successful commencement of the programme in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Yobe State Ministry of Youth, Sports, Social and Community Development, Alhaji Ajiya Musa, appreciated the gesture and described it as timely.
He urged the beneficiaries to explore the opportunity by utilising the skills and resources judiciously.
(NAN)
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