The federal government has revealed plans to empower the Chibok Community in Borno with farming equipment and skill acquisition accessories worth a total of 210 million naira. 

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, disclosed this during a visit by a delegation from the Chibok community, led by its District Head, Ahmadu Usman.

The project aims to improve the local economy, especially after the 2014 kidnapping incident of students from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok. 

Mrs. Kennedy-Ohanenye explained that 50% of the Federal Government’s payment of school fees for the kidnapped Chibok girls in the university would be invested back into the community.

She further noted that the funds will be used to purchase industrial machines for rice and corn milling, solar pumping machines for irrigation farming, fish grilling machines, sewing machines, tricycle trucks, and more. These resources aim to enhance the community’s livelihood, fostering socio-economic growth and development.

According to her, “through collaboration, the American University will use the N210 million raised to buy industrial machines for milling of rice, corn and solar pumping machines for irrigation farming. 

“Also, fish grilling machines, sewing machines, tricycle trucks, among others, will be purchased to improve the community’s means of livelihood, as well as for socio-economic growth and development.”

Dr. Asabe Vilita-Bashir, Director-General of Maryam Babangida National Women Development Centre (MBNCWD), stressed that the ultimate aim of this project is to restore hope in the community. She therefore urged active participation from the residents to improve their standard of living. 

In response, the district head of the Chibok community expressed gratitude for the support, stating that the equipment would go a long way to improve the local economy and benefit not only affected families, but the community as a whole.