By Victoria Onehi
The Minister of State, Steel Development H.E Uba Maigari Ahmadu has said collaborative effort between private organisations and government will help drive positive change.
Ahmadu stated this while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale of the Mennonite Economic Development Association (MEDA) event. MEDA is Youth Entrepreneurship and Women’s Empowerment in Northern Nigeria, a project geared towards creating business solutions and alleviating poverty.
The Minister noted that the collaboration across the 7 local Government Areas of Bauchi, Dass, Ganjuwa, Toro, Jama’are, Warji and Katagun has not only been a testament to the resilience of the communities but also a demonstration of what is achievable when government, Ministries Departments, Agencies as well as Private\Public Partners unite under a common vision.
“Nigeria Way Project” is remarkable and has been a beacon of hope illuminating the path towards Youth Entrepreneurship and Women’s Empowerment which has witnessed the transformation of lives, establishment of sustainable businesses, and the Empowerment of women who are the backbone of the communities.” Ahmadu said.
The Minister in a statement added that the “close out” event symbolises the culmination of a cooperative effort, an effort that has demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving positive change.
He said: “Let this be a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, each bringing our unique strength to the table. Working together to achieve success is in line with the Present Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “
He added that he looks forward to witnessing the continued impact of the collective efforts in shaping a brighter, more cooperative future for the community to enhance the Nation building.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Country Project Manager of MEDA, Grace Fosen, stated that over the past seven years, the Organisation has embarked on remarkable journey of Empowerment, Resilience, and Positive Transformation.
She revealed that the project has witnessed remarkable achievement as it recorded over N1bn financial access that has helped in fostering the growth of women businesses, adding that various youths have been supported in Mini-Agro equipment fabrication which has promoted local indigenous manufacturing of agro technologies.
She stated that, more than 9000 women and youths have acquired productive technologies for their business and over 15000 have received technical assistance to promote economic and climate resilience.
In her goodwill message, Counselor and Head Cooperation, Canada, Djifa Ahado, stated that they are committed to working with Nigeria to reduce extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society to ensure growth that works for everyone and align with the government of Nigeria’s priorities.
Canada she said, will continue to support projects to increase employment and business opportunities for vulnerable Nigerian youths, with a focus on women’s economic empowerment, mainly through support to rural agriculture, value chain development and promoting income generating opportunities.
