Story Written By Lilian Silas and Edited by Godwin Duru
As part of efforts to alleviate poverty and empower his constituents , House of Representatives member representing Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, Mr. Gabriel Saleh Zock has given the sum of N100m as grant for businesses to one thousand people in his constituency.
Zock while speaking at the constituency empowerment programme in Ungwan Mana , Jaba local government area in Kaduna State in collaboration with the National Productivity Centre (NPC), said the gesture was aimed at empowering the women and youths to start and sustain their businesses, so that they can be financially independent.
Nine hundred beneficiaries, mostly women and youth selected from the twenty two wards that make up the federal constituency, were given N50,000 each, while about one hundred others with outstanding business proposals received between N300,000 to N7,000,000 million.
“This empowerment grant is in response to the economic situation of the country. We are aware of the challenges of the masers. So, this empowerment is to show that we are with the masses by lifting our constituents, to help them start up businesses and for farmers to get farm inputs, which will assist them to get a better living”.
“As a way of ensuring judicious use of the fund, we have collaborated with a micro finance bank which will disburse the fund and monitor it. We are also confident, because every beneficiary has proven to us beyond reasonable doubt, what they will do with the money”.
The Deputy Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Danjuma while speaking with journalists after the empowerment programme, said the gesture will go a long way in alleviating poverty in the constituency and commended Gabriel Zock for having his people at heart.
He appealed to the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds, as many businesses normally start in a small way and progress to great levels if properly managed .
A cross section of the beneficiaries who were full of happiness, thanked the member for his kindness and assured that the funds would be utilised for the purpose it was intended.
Many of the beneficiaries said they would invest the fund in ginger production and other gainful ventures in the area, while wishing the lawmaker success in his career.
Present at the Programme were leaders of all political parties , religious and community leaders and high ranking dignitaries from across the state and country.
Lilian Silas
