By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Residents of Sabongida community in Kokona Local Government Area, Nasarawa State have called for more initiative to boost economic activities in the area.
They made the call over the weekend at the launching of a recycling hub and training of 200 women recyclers community sensitization of the BAF – Women Recyclers Empowerment Initiative, sponsored by United States Africa Development Foundation (USADF) in Sabongida community.
The programme was organized Chanja Datti Recycling Company Limited.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Secretary of the Traditional council, Ali Ismail said the presence of more Empowerment initiatives will help to address youth restlessness and make women support their households in the face of economic meltdown.
He commended Chanja Datti and the USADF for coming to Sabongida community, saying the initiative will tackle indiscriminate waste disposal, manage plastic waste and help women in the households.
A youth leader in the community, Abawu Mainasara said women in the community lack finance for their business. He said the initiative by Chanja Datti and USADF will boost their business capital and clean the environment.
One of the beneficiary’s, Lucy Mainasara lauded the organizers. She said the effort has already attracted several women in the community.
Leader of Jaiz Bank team at the event, Muntata Adamu, said the women who enrolled in the programme will have accounts opened for them to enable them save.
He said the Bank is using the programme to close gap in financial inclusion, especially in rural communities.
Earlier, Program Manager, Chanja Datti Recycling Company, Juliet Odhikori, said the essence is to empower women in low income communities who are uneducated, unskilled and lack access to gainful employment.
She said the initiative will bridge skill gap, offer capacity development training to start business and bridge inequality gap.
Apart from getting account opened in Jaiz Bank, the enrollees were presented with personal protective equipments.
