The Adamawa State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has distributed cash grants, vocational kits, and fish farming inputs to residents of Madagali Local Government Area as part of its efforts to support communities affected by insurgency.
The event, held at Gulak Stadium, was aimed at strengthening livelihoods and promoting economic recovery in the region. Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who flagged off the exercise, said that empowering 2,500 households translates to lifting over 10,000 people out of poverty.
He commended UNDP for its continuous support in post-conflict recovery and appealed for the expansion of the empowerment programme to other affected areas, including Michika, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Gombi, and Hong. The Governor urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the grants and materials to improve their living standards.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), Dr. Celine Laori, praised Governor Fintiri for his leadership and partnership with development agencies. She explained that under the new phase of the project, 1,500 households received business grants of 300,000 naira each, while 500 beneficiaries received vocational kits and 250 others got fish farming inputs. Dr. Laori added that monitoring teams have been set up to ensure proper use of the support provided.
Speaking during the event, the Ptil Madagali, His Royal Majesty Dr. Ali Danburam, and the Chairman of Madagali Local Government, Simon Musa, expressed appreciation to the state government and UNDP for their timely intervention. They noted that the initiative would go a long way in helping beneficiaries recover economically and contribute to the growth of the community.
A beneficiary, Mary Auta, who spoke on behalf of others, described the gesture as a dream come true. She thanked the Adamawa State Government and UNDP for their support, saying it came at the right time and promised to make good use of the assistance provided.