Shettima, Dangiwa Launch Empowerment Scheme for Katsina Residents

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, yesterday launched an empowerment programme for the people of Kafur Local Government, Katsina State.

A statement by the Director of Information in the Ministry of Housing, Badamasi Haiba, said the empowerment scheme was sponsored by the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari.

The ‘multi-million’ naira empowerment materials distributed to the people included: Food items, fertilisers, solar systems, grinding machines, welding machines, sewing machines, and motorcycles.

Other items were: Exercise books, school bags, saloon items, electronic pasta makers, cash, and Sharon buses.

The statement quoted Shettima as commending the financier, Masari, describing empowerment as one of the core poverty alleviation concerns of the current administration to provide succour to the people.

Also speaking on the sidelines,  Dangiwa, who was said to be elated with by the economic support given to the people of his home state by the donor,  said that it will go a long way in providing relief to the people, as well as supporting their economic activities and sustainability.

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and former governors of Katsina state, Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema, also witnessed the occasion.

Some governors that graced the occasion, it said, included: Borno’s Babagana Zulum,  Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.

Ministers of Agriculture,  Senator Abubakar Kyari, of Culture & Entertainment,  Hannatu Musawa, and Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle were also in attendance.

Meanwhile, Dangiwa has stated that the ministry’s housing target of over 10, 862 housing units across the six geo-political zones of the country will translate to lots of job creation for mostly the youths, alleviate poverty, and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dangiwa stated this when he received the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), led by its National President,  Sara-Igbe Sukubo on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

The minister described the Nigerian youth as a beacon of hope, adding that they were the major beneficiaries of the jobs being created in the course of executing the housing programmes of the ministry.

Dangiwa also noted that the visit of the youth council was a testament to the vibrant spirit of commitment of the Nigerian youth towards the betterment of the Nation.

He commended the dedication of the council to promoting the interest and welfare of the Nigerian youth as well as the inspiration in their efforts to provide platforms for youth to voice their concerns, develop their skills, and also contribute to National development.

He said he knows the challenges facing the youth, especially in accessing affordable housing as well as securing a sustainable livelihood in the urban areas, assuring that their concerns will be taken into consideration.

The minister also encouraged the youth, through the council to actively participate in the National Housing Fund (NHF) scheme to benefit from the affordable housing offers, managed and administered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

He explained that the scheme allows every Nigerian to contribute 2.5 per cent of their income into the fund, which guarantees a benefit of a 6 per cent interest concessionary loan, and also individual construction loan which caters to Nigerians with a valid C of O title, for 30 years and more.

“Our major aim is to provide affordable housing solutions that cater to the needs of young Nigerians whether first-time home buyers, renters, or aspiring entrepreneurs looking to invest in affordable housing developments,” he remarked.