By Daniel Tyokua
The Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of the Federal Capital Territory has empowered 60 members of different vulnerable groups, mainly people living with HIV/AIDS.
I30 vulnerable persons received brand new motorised grinding machines, another 30 members from the selected vulnerable groups received the sum of N50,000 empowerment gift to assist them in their trade and small scale businesses.
During the event tagged
“Empowerment Through Seed Funding for Petty Trading and Income Generating Activities”, for select groups, the Mandate Secretary for SDS, Mrs. Hadiza Kabir, said the distribution of the empowerment tools to the vulnerable, is aimed at enabling them to start live a more meaningful life.
She recalled that the Secretariat had on 17th of February, 2023 commenced training and skills acquisition programs for the beneficiaries nominated through the Network of people Living with HIV/AIDS, community based organisations and various support groups.
“I am trilled to inform you that one of those empowered last month has been able to maximize his profit from his starter pack to the level of empowering another colleague as we speak.
“This shows that what we are really doing well and the results are beginning to manifest for everyone to see and accept that we are into serious business”, she stressed.
In her remarks, the Head of HIV/AIDS, Dr Okoro Ene thanked the SDS Secretary for coming to the rescue of one of the vulnerable and stigmatised groups in the society.
He noted that since the Secretary’s appointment, this category of the vulnerable in the FCT’s happiness has increased tremendously as several empowerment programmes and activities have being organised for their empowerment and self sustenance, including the provision of relevant nourishing drugs for them.
