By Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, on Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive financial and empowerment programme aimed at supporting women, girls and internally displaced persons across the state.
The launch ceremony took place at the Government House in Damaturu.
The initiative provides cash incentives for 32,382 schoolgirls, micro-enterprise grants for 1,500 beneficiaries, and vocational empowerment materials for 340 women drawn from the 17 local government areas of the state.
Governor Buni disclosed that over N1.2 billion has been committed to the programme, which was developed in collaboration with the World Bank in 2024 under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).
“This project aligns with our commitment to education as the foundation for sustainable development. It requires continuous funding and effective supervision to achieve its objectives,” Buni stated.
He highlighted reforms implemented by his administration in the education sector, including the recruitment and training of teachers, rehabilitation of more than 5,000 classrooms, construction of 13 mega and model schools, and payment of WAEC and NECO fees for final-year secondary school students
To further address school dropout rates among girls, the governor noted that nine senior girls’ day secondary schools have been established to promote smooth transition from junior to senior secondary education.
Also launched was the disbursement of N300 million in micro-enterprise grants to 1,500 beneficiaries from Mallam Dunari, a displaced community in Gujba Local Government Area. According to the State Emergency Management Agency, each beneficiary will receive N200,000 after completing business training.
Governor Buni added that Gujba Local Government Area has benefited from several development projects, including agricultural support, construction of a primary healthcare centre, motorised boreholes, and installation of solar-powered streetlights in Goniri community.
The Ministry of Women Affairs also distributed equipment and materials to 340 women to support small-scale pastry businesses.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor urged them to utilize the resources responsibly. “I encourage you to make good use of these opportunities to improve your livelihoods and justify the confidence placed in you,” he said.
The AGILE State Project Coordinator, Abdullahi Bula, explained that the cash transfers to 32,382 girls were specifically targeted at students from economically disadvantaged households.
“This intervention is designed to ensure that beneficiaries remain in school and complete their education,” Bula added.
