In Yobe, GBV survivors, women and girls received N25.5m start-up capital

Beneficiaries

… committed to ensuring a response to GBV and focusing on women and girls.

The program was funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), implemented by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Portrait Lake Child Initiative (PLCI), held today at the multipurpose hall, FCET Potiskum.

170 Survivors of Gender Violence (GBV) and other groups of Women and Girls have today been presented with N25,500,000 start-up capital, each beneficiary from Kukuri and Tandari communities of Potiskum and Nangere Local Government Areas of Yobe State received the sum of N150,000 respectively.

In her welcome address, Dr. Zara Yusuf, Executive Director/CEO of Portrait Lake Child Initiative (PLCI), said that the beneficiaries have passed through a series of training and engagements determined to ensure judicious use of the funds.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Dr. Mohammed Goje, represented by the Focal Person, Ahmed Haruna Daya, appealed to the beneficiaries to properly manage the fund to build up and strengthen their businesses. He warned against the diversion of the grant for other purposes that would not benefit them and society.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of UNPF in the State, Muktar Abubakar, enlightened that they are committed to ensuring a response to GBV and focusing on women and girls. He added that what initiated the partnership was ensuring that Women stood up on their feet. Abubakar pleaded with the beneficiaries to ensure profitable sustainability in their businesses and avoid being exploited by anyone. He thanked all the partners for the collaboration and support which enabled the success of the program.

Commenting, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Ibn Abali Muhammadu Idrisa represented the Chokali of Fika said that “on behalf of Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, we commend YOSEMA, UNFPA, UNDP, PLCI, the Government of Japan for the entrepreneurship skills training and engagement which culminated into today’s event for empowering 150 vulnerable with the grant”.

“We pray God to bless the grant while urging the beneficiaries to make proper utilization of the monies to improve their businesses.

Faruk Abdullahi Chiromari delivered vote of thanks on behalf of beneficiaries as he appreciated all the partners for their collaborative support to the communities.