The Adamawa State Government says it has invested about ₦12 billion to support micro and small businesses across the state, with women emerging as the majority of beneficiaries.
The Director-General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) disclosed this while receiving members of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Adamawa State chapter, led by its Chairperson, Felicia Amos Dauda.
According to the DG, the intervention is part of the empowerment programmes of the administration of Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, aimed at reducing poverty and promoting economic growth in the state.
He explained that the government had committed billions of naira through various initiatives, including the Fintiri Business Wallet Empowerment Programme, to strengthen small enterprises and improve livelihoods.
The PAWECA boss noted that women constitute a significant proportion of the beneficiaries, reflecting the government’s focus on supporting women-led businesses and vulnerable groups.
He also commended the increasing number of women in journalism in the state, describing their unity and professionalism as commendable.
In her remarks, NAWOJ Chairperson, Dauda, said women across the state had benefited greatly from the Fintiri Business Wallet Empowerment Programme.
She noted that the positive impact of the initiative on women and small-scale entrepreneurs in Adamawa could not be overemphasised.
Dauda also expressed the association’s readiness to partner with PAWECA by using its media platforms to create awareness so that more women and vulnerable groups could benefit from the programmes.
Meanwhile, the PAWECA Director-General received an Award of Excellence from the Nigerian Youth Council, presented by its Vice President, Abdulmalik Isa, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to implementing social support programmes in the state.
Responding, the DG said the award would motivate him to do more in supporting youth and economic empowerment initiatives.
He also appreciated Governor Fintiri for his vision in empowering youths through seed capital and skills acquisition programmes, urging young people to remain committed to personal development in key sectors of society.
