Yobe State government and a Non-Governmental Organization, (NGO) have supported some conflict affected communities in the state to enhance their socio-economic stability of the people.
The beneficiaries, over 60, were drawn from some conflict affected communities in Gujba local government area of the state and the state capital, Damaturu.
The initiative was sponsored and coordinated by the state’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and it’s State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), and International Organization for Migration (IOM).
According to a statement by YOSEMA executive secretary, Dr. Mohammad Goje, the aim is to also foster resilience and promot sustainable livelihoods, noting that the opportunity will reduce dependence on humanitarian aid and ensure self-reliance among the people.
He added that the program will encourage community cohesion and unity through collaborative socio-economic activities.
According to Goje, the key areas of focus in the program are farming, foodstuff vending, baking and others.
These, he said, will empower individuals, especially women and boost agricultural productivity for food security and income generation as well as enable small-scale businesses to meet local market needs.
To ensure long-term impact, Goje noted that a follow-up activities such as capacity building, mentorship, and market linkages will be implemented.
He added that there would be a continuous monitoring and evaluation to improve the program’s effectiveness.
Items distributed to the beneficiaries includes; grinding and sewing machines, refrigerators and dry season mini hand tractors.
Similarly, a food basket is part of the items, to give immediate relief to the beneficiaries.
