Gabriel Saleh Zock, the House of Representatives Member representing Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, has disbursed N100 million in business grants to 1,000 women and youths in his constituency.
The empowerment programme, conducted in collaboration with the National Productivity Centre, saw 900 beneficiaries receive N50,000 each, while 100 others with outstanding business proposals received between N300,000 and N7 million.
Addressing the beneficiaries at the Malam Agwai Hall, Guidan Mana, in Kachia on Saturday, Hon. Zock emphasised the importance of utilising the funds judiciously to achieve financial independence and create employment opportunities for others.
The lawmaker explained that the empowerment program aimed to mitigate the economic challenges faced by the masses, enabling constituents to start or enhance their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
To ensure the judicious use of the funds, Hon.Zock partnered with a microfinance bank to disburse the grants and monitor the beneficiaries’ business performance. The bank also provided training on business management to the beneficiaries.
He said, “this empowerment grant is a response to the country’s economic situation. We recognize the challenges faced by the masses and aim to support our constituents by helping them start or grow businesses and access farm inputs, leading to improved livelihoods.
“To ensure the funds are used judiciously, we’ve partnered with a microfinance bank to disburse and monitor the grants. We’re confident in the beneficiaries’ plans, as they’ve demonstrated a clear understanding of how they’ll utilise the funds.
“Through the microfinance bank, we’ve also provided training on business management and will continue to monitor their progress. Our goal isn’t just to provide temporary financial support, but to empower individuals to become employers and eventually, empower others. This will lead to a better, more sustainable future for our constituency.”
Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Danjuma, commended Hon. Zock for the initiative, stating that it would significantly alleviate poverty in the constituency. He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely.
One of the beneficiaries, Samuel Umar expressed gratitude to Hon. Zock, pledging to utilise the grant to purchase farm inputs and boost yields on his ginger and maize farm.
Kaduna Reps Member Empowers Women, Youths With N50,000 Business Grants is first published on The Whistler Newspaper