Senator Ikira Bilbis (PDP-Zamfara), in collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural Research (NIAR), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, has empowered 750 persons from his constituency under his 2025 Capital Project Empowerment Programme.
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Mr Bilbis, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications, represents Zamfara Central Senatorial District.
The empowerment programme took place in Gusau on Saturday, where the lawmaker distributed 350 motorcycles, 250 tailoring machines and 150 freezers to selected beneficiaries.
He also distributed N100 million in cash support to various categories of beneficiaries, including men and women, to help them start or expand small businesses.
According to the senator, beneficiaries were drawn from the four local government areas of Zamfara Central Constituency, namely Bungudu, Gusau, Maru and Tsafe.
Governor Dauda Lawal, who inaugurated the distribution of the items, described the intervention as a welcome development for the people of the area.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mani Mummuni, said the programme aligned with the rescue mission policy of his administration aimed at improving livelihoods.
“I personally welcome this initiative, I appreciate your kind gesture to your people, this indicates your good representation for your constituents,” the governor said.
Mr Lawal urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items and cash support to build sustainable businesses that would contribute to development.
In his remarks, Mr Bilbis said the beneficiaries included local government chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), party elders, youths and women groups, aged persons, orphans and other less-privileged persons.
He explained that the N100 million cash assistance was designed to encourage beneficiaries to grow their businesses and improve household income.
The lawmaker promised to continue delivering quality representation and people-oriented projects to his constituents.
As part of his capital project plans, Mr Bilbis pledged to construct an additional 100 mosques and Islamic schools across the four local government areas.
He also said the programme would include the installation of 1,000 solar street lights across the senatorial district to improve security.
The representative of NIAR, ABU Zaria, Ibrahim Haruna, commended the senator for partnering with the university and pledged continued support successfully.
