By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Yobe State Government has approved a ₦460.83 million empowerment package for female entrepreneurs, with thousands of women engaged in small-scale businesses, including akara production, set to benefit from the intervention.
The approval formed part of decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Mai Mala Buni at the Government House in Damaturu on Thursday.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, said the initiative was designed to strengthen women’s economic activities by providing essential materials needed to sustain and expand their businesses.
According to him, the council approved the procurement of 1,780 bags of beans, which will be distributed alongside cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and other kitchen equipment already procured by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
“The State Executive Council has approved the sum of ₦460,828,450.00 for the procurement of beans for distribution to female small business owners as empowerment support.
“These will be distributed along with cooking oil, smokeless stoves, cooking utensils and kitchenware, which have already been procured and stored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation.
“A total of 1,780 50kg bags of beans will be distributed to beneficiaries,” Bego said.
He explained that the programme is part of the Buni administration’s strategy to improve household incomes, promote self-reliance and strengthen women-owned enterprises across the state.
The commissioner also disclosed that the Executive Council approved an additional ₦364.48 million for the purchase of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines to support residents under the state’s empowerment programme.
“Under the Ministry of Wealth Creation, the council has approved the sum of ₦364,475,000.00 for the procurement of 1,000 Yamaha GX 390 grinding machines for empowerment support to people across the state,” he said.
Beyond the empowerment initiatives, Bego announced that the council approved projects and services valued at ₦73.32 billion to accelerate development in key sectors of the state’s economy.
The approvals, he said, include ₦28.53 billion for agricultural tools and implements under the state’s 2026 mega agricultural empowerment programme, ₦23.97 billion for two major road projects, as well as funding for housing schemes, market development and other critical infrastructure.
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