UNDP Honors Governor Lawal for Counterpart Funding in Zamfara
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has acknowledged Governor Dauda Lawal for providing counterpart funding for a development project in Zamfara State.
On Wednesday, the UNDP launched the Northwest Prevention Facility Project at Garba Nadama Hall in Gusau.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the project includes distributing irrigation tools to 300 farmers who were selected based on specific needs.
The statement also said that 1,000 entrepreneurs would receive N150,000 each as start-up capital to support their small businesses.
Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal said his administration had introduced several empowerment programs since taking office.
“These initiatives are not isolated efforts. Part of our broader vision for a prosperous Zamfara State is to engage development partners to address our numerous socio-economic challenges.
“Many poverty reduction programmes introduced by this administration have impacted the lives of thousands of our citizens. Our administration’s commitment to poverty alleviation is unwavering. We shall continue leveraging strategic partnerships with the UNDP and other donor groups to create sustainable pathways to lift our people out of poverty.
“From the inception of this program, I made it clear that a transparent and inclusive selection process shall be the yardstick of choice of beneficiaries. The beneficiaries, therefore, were drawn from towns and villages such as Sankalawa, Furfuri, Karal, Gusau, and Bungudu.
“I have consistently emphasized that economic empowerment must be inclusive under our purview, leaving no community behind. That is why I insisted on the equitable distribution of opportunities across all local government areas.
“Equally, comprehensive training programmes were held for all beneficiaries of Irrigation farming and SMEs. We firmly believe that providing resources without knowledge could limit the sustainable impact the programme aims to achieve.”
Governor Lawal also thanked the UNDP for working with the state. “To the beneficiaries, I charge you to utilize these resources responsibly. The faith I have placed in you must be justified.
“With these remarks, it is my honour to officially flag off the distribution of irrigation inputs to 300 beneficiaries and disbursement of start-up capital of N150,000.00 to 1,000 entrepreneurs.”
Earlier, Ashraf Usman, Head of the UNDP Northwest Nigeria Office, spoke about the state government’s involvement.
“Thank you, Your Excellency. These are the reasons why we are here. Congratulations to you for supporting such a large number of people. Thank you for sitting idly and setting an example for other state governments in providing counterparts funding. Thank you for your leadership.”
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