From Yakubu Busari, Jos
The executive assistant to Governor Simon Bako Lalong in Plateau state and focal person for the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme, (SIP), Dr. Sumaye Hamza, has said that the government has injected a total of N8.941b into the social programme to cushion the effect of poverty amongst the poor in Nigeria .
Dr Hamza made the disclosure in an opening remark she made her during a 4- day sensitization workshop on Social Investment Programme for start-up, held at the Community and Social Development Agency at Rayfield Road , Jos.
The workshop meant to train 200 volunteers on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, business planning and job creation is being organised for 150 N- AGRO beneficiaries in the state
Speaking on the theme: ”Sensitisation workshop for N Power volunteer Start-Ups”, she said the programme which was initiated, through her guidance, by an N-Power beneficiary, Badi Emmanuel Mamuda, will provide an opportunity for the N-Power entrepreneurs to share experiences that would equip them in economic decision making and understand the context of start-ups.
She said that Badi, who is a trainer with the Green Innovation Centre for the Agriculture and Food Sector , GIAE, GlZ Nigeria , was one of the successful N-Power Volunteers with GlZ that travelled to participate in the exposure seminar “Promotion Strategies for Start-ups” at the GlZ international Conference and Training Centre Feldafing, Germany.
“His experiences in sharing and dissemination programme will inspire other young entrepreneurs not necessarily N-Power beneficiaries, to be more focussed and committed,” she added.
She explained further that, “at this point it is important that l remind you that the components of the Social investment Programme, initiated by our President, Muhammadu Buhari, which is being implemented in Plateau State with the tremendous support of our Governor and Chairman Northern Governors Forum, Barr Simon Bako Lalong, has impacted positively in the lives of Plateau citizens in the areas of Job Creation, National Home Grown School Feeding and Conditional Cash Transfer.
She stated that the multiplier effect include attracting investments that are tied to solving supply side constraints, improved livelihood, enhanced financial inclusion, reduced inequality, stability and security in communities.
Dr Sumaye revealed that the aim of the workshop is to reduce poverty in Plateau State with a least 11,000 N-Power graduate beneficiaries in the scheme’s components of NTeach, NHealth and NAgro from inception, for which a total of N8.941b has been injected under the N-Power in the State.
She disclosed that this does not include N-power Build where skills are provided as well as start-up tools and monthly stipends are provided to over 900 youths.
