Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation programme has significantly reduced the poverty index in Adamawa State from 74 percent to 60 percent between January and August this year.
The state Director-General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), Mr. Zira Michael, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Yola, the Adamawa State capital. He noted that the achievement reflects the governor’s consistent commitment to improving living standards and boosting the state’s economic growth.
According to Michael, Governor Fintiri approved the disbursement of N5 billion to 100,000 people by December this year as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce poverty and promote entrepreneurship among residents. He said, “This initiative is in line with Governor Fintiri’s vision of poverty reduction and wealth creation since he assumed office.”
He explained that over the past six years, 50,000 people have benefited from various empowerment schemes. “We started with 10,000 beneficiaries in the first phase, and in 2023 alone, 40,000 citizens received financial support,” he stated.
Michael added that the agency, in partnership with other stakeholders, has developed a new template for improved skills acquisition programs targeting young people to make them self-reliant. The training covers diverse areas such as electrical engineering, solar panel installation, fabrication of windows, tailoring, and P.O.P making.
He urged youths and women to take advantage of the available opportunities, emphasizing that “the new world order now values technical skills more than just paper qualifications.”
Addressing concerns over fraudulent activities, Michael confirmed that the agency had received complaints about individuals exploiting the process. “We have already addressed the issue. About 1,560 names were blocked due to double registration, while 7,001 fake registration forms were detected,” he revealed.
He called on residents to remain honest and transparent in all empowerment-related dealings.
