Yakubu Busari
At least no fewer than 650 Widows have been empowered with grant of N6.5 million by the Plateau Northern Senatorial Elect ,Senator Istisfanu Dalyop Gyang
The event which held at Gwol Motel Barkin Ladi LGA saw the widows going home with the sum of N10,000 each to commence petty trade.
The Senator-Elect who was almost moved to tears recounted his experiences as an Orphan and said he have personal experience of what they are passing through and the effect of same on their orphan children.
He called them special set of people who by virtue of the dead of their spouses are now breadwinners of their homes and cater for the wellbeing and upbringing of the children they are left with. Rep. I. D. Gyang said addressing the vulnerability and plight of widows require appropriate legislation as has been done by the Child Rights Act. He vowed to make that part of his legislative engagement as a Federal Lawmaker.
He said the initiative is a deliberate and direct empowerment intervention intended to boost their earning capacity through income generating trading as well as farming activities.
Barr. I. D. Gyang expressed optimism that though the amount may look meager, saying same can be treated as mustard seed, that shall, with careful and diligent handling will grow into a big economic tree that will become a veritable source of income and Household cash flow.
He went further to say one factor responsible for the increasing number of widows in this part of the State is the unnecessary crisis and violent attacks.
He admonished the people to do away with that root of evil responsible for violent attacks and crisis.
He charged all communities and residents to adopt peaceful means of resolving any perceived disagreements as against resorting to violence.
He assured to continue to advocate and work for peace and shall not rest until lasting peace is attained and become reality to the people.
He called on the people to resolve to work together in an all inclusive stakeholder participation in the peace project to make peace happen.
He specially thanked the people of B/ladi-Riyom for the mandate accorded him to represent them in the National Assembly. He said he is glad that his representation has brought tangible impact to the constituency such as construction of Primary and secondary schools, award of scholarship to students, distribution of textbooks to secondary schools, construction of clinic, medical outreaches conducted, malaria eradication campaign, provision of solar powered and manual boreholes, provision of relief materials to the internally displaced persons in his constituency, provision of town hall, provision of fertilizers and water pumps for irrigation farming to the people to boost agricultural yields, construction of 180 market shops, empowered many with income generating items, constructed rural road networks, facilitating the employment of many persons, constructive engagement of stakeholders and communities in the peace process, undertook constituency wide peace rallies and campaigns, sustained peace advocacy, effective representation and lawmaking capacity by sponsoring over 20 Bills and raising several motions.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara who was represented by Rep. Rimamnde Shawulu applauded the Lawmaker for the iniative and urged the beneficiaries to make proper use of the funds.
Former Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Reng Ochekpe who spoke at the event charged the widows to prioritize the education of their children.
President of Berom Women Development Association (BEWDA) Ngo Florence Jambol lauded the gesture of the Lawmaker and admonished the beneficiaries to utilize the money given them effectively to start small businesses that will add value to them and the society while being role models in the society.
Member-Elect for Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos spoke on the important roles women are playing in Nation building and charged them not to relent by trust in God at all times.
The Leader of Berom Ministers’ Forum (BEMFO), Rev. John Nash appreciated the Federal lawmaker for keeping to his promised and told the women not to misplace their priority in what to do with the funds given them.
The Gwom Rwey of Riyom District, HRH Da Sam Tok said the Lawmaker has lifted and impacted the lives of the people admonishing him to continue the good works he is known for.
Some of the women who could not hide their joyful tears thanked the Legislator for considering them and identifying with their predicament while promising to put the money given them to profitable ventures.
The event was well attended by Rep. Sunday Katung Member representing Zango/Jaba Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and Kaduna State PDP Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, Rep. Timothy Golu member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency, Hon. Timothy Dantong Member-Elect Riyom Constituency PLHA, Hon. Peter Gyendeng reelected Member representing Barkin Ladi Constituency PLHA, Hon. Fom Dalyop Gwottson Member-Elect Jos South Constituency PLHA, Ngo Esther Simi Dusu Member-Elect Jos North-West Constituency PLHA, religious, traditional, association, women and youth leaders
