Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State recently launched an initiative to disburse a significant cash support package totaling N2,936,000,000 to assist 35,500 flood victims, vulnerable individuals, and small business owners. This event, marked by the theme “Governor Buni’s Grassroots Recovery and Empowerment,” was held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Damaturu. The disbursement campaign aims to bolster sustainable livelihoods within the state, reflecting a genuine commitment from the Buni administration to enhance the quality of life for citizens, especially those affected by adverse conditions such as flooding. The comprehensive financial aid is part of a broader strategy to help individuals restore their livelihoods and foster economic resilience in community structures that have been impacted.
During the launch event, Governor Buni articulated his administration’s unwavering focus on improving the well-being of Yobe State residents through economic empowerment initiatives. He highlighted the importance of previous skills acquisition programs in conjunction with the cash support, stating that they have had a profound impact on the recovery efforts within the state. According to Buni, these empowerment programs are vital for providing individuals with sustainable means of livelihood. He expressed that the overall goal of these programs is not just immediate relief but also long-term economic enhancement that will eventually benefit the broader community and promote self-reliance among marginalized populations.
Further emphasizing economic growth, the governor affirmed his administration’s resolve to invest in vital sectors such as commerce, industry, and infrastructure. He articulated the importance of small and medium-scale enterprises in driving economic development and prosperity within the state. To reinforce this endeavor, Buni announced the establishment of the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment, and Employment Generation. This ministry aims to provide businesses with much-needed incentives to stimulate economic activities and create a stable business environment vital for sustainable growth in Yobe State.
Buni also expressed his continued commitment to supporting marginalized groups, including women, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and other disadvantaged populations. He reassured the attendees that his government would continue to foster initiatives geared towards free education, affordable healthcare, and technological advancements. The governor underscores that such initiatives are foundational strategies to empower the less privileged and enhance their economic prospects, ultimately contributing to broader economic stability and growth in the region. He urged beneficiaries of the cash support to use the resources effectively and responsibly, as wise use of the funds would encourage the government to support more individuals in tackling poverty challenges.
Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Mairo Ahmad Amshi, reiterated the significance of the grassroots recovery and empowerment initiative. She clarified that these efforts are specifically designed to alleviate the poverty exacerbated by recent flooding. The initiative reflects the strategic focus of the Buni administration on improving the quality of life for flood victims across the 17 local government areas of Yobe State. Amshi expressed optimism regarding the positive economic impact of the cash support on the beneficiaries, highlighting that the initiative aims to assist those most severely affected by the disaster.
In their addresses, the Executive Secretaries of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Small Scale and Medium Enterprises praised the Buni administration for its continuous support to vulnerable populations. Dr. Muhammad Goje and Alhaji Muhammad Alkali emphasized the necessity of ongoing government efforts to assist those in need, accentuating the transformative potential of such programs in enhancing the livelihoods of individuals facing economic hardship. Their remarks echoed the sentiment that dedicated and strategic support, such as that being provided by Governor Buni’s initiatives, is critical for fostering resilience and recovery in the wake of disasters and challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Yobe State.
