The Chairman of Agaie Local Government Area, Ibrahim Halilu Sayuti, on Tuesday empowered 1,100 residents with business equipment to promote self-reliance and economic development at the grassroots.

He made this known during the distribution of empowerment items and the inauguration of the Ekobadeggi Primary Healthcare Centre and Governor Bago Women Multipurpose Centre in Agaie.

The empowerment programme featured the distribution of motorcycles, refrigerators, grinding machines, sewing machines, public address systems and barbing kits to beneficiaries to support small-scale businesses and livelihoods.

Mr Sayuti said the initiative was aimed at creating economic opportunities, particularly for women, youths, widows and vulnerable households, to enable them become financially independent.

He said the programme was not politically motivated; stressing that it was part of his commitment to giving back to the people and fulfilling his responsibilities to the communities.

He stated, “Everything depends on your intention. I was born and brought up here and before becoming chairman, my engagements were mainly community-based.

“I was involved in several community services, voluntary teaching, engaging women in skills acquisition and adult education. Having found myself in this position today, I feel obliged to identify with the people who identified with me in the past.

He disclosed plans to organise a larger youth empowerment programme to complement the ongoing intervention, adding that the next phase would focus on supporting more young people.

He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the equipment to establish and expand their businesses rather than sell them.

The chairman said the Ekobadeggi primary healthcare centre was inaugurated to improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly for women, children and elderly persons.

He added that the Governor Bago Women Multipurpose Centre would provide a platform for women’s skills development, enterprise growth and productive engagement.

Mr Sayuti commended Governor Umaru Bago for his development-focused leadership and support for grassroots development, pledging his administration’s commitment to complementing the state New Niger Agenda.

In his goodwill message, Magajin Agaie, Abdullahi Aliyu, commended the chairman for the empowerment initiative, describing it as a significant step towards grassroots development.

He urged the beneficiaries not to sell the items but to utilise them to generate sustainable income and improve their livelihoods.

He described women as the backbone of families and communities, commending the council for giving priority to their empowerment.

“When you develop a woman, you develop a people. When you develop a man, you develop a man,” he said.

Also speaking, Secretary, Artisan Mobilisation Presidential Campaign Council, Adamu Ahmed, congratulated the chairman on the initiative.

Mr Ahmed said it was the responsibility of elected leaders to demonstrate love for the people through empowerment, good governance and protection of their interests.

He urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the intervention to improve their economic circumstances.

One of the beneficiaries, Fatima Salisu, said she would use the refrigerator she received to start a business selling soft drinks and sachet water.

Another beneficiary, Chairman of the Tailoring Association in the area, Ibrahim Usman, commended the council for providing sewing machines to support tailors.

Another beneficiary, Fatima Usman, who received a deep freezer, said she intended to use it to start a soft drinks business.

(NAN)