…. Govt commits to improvement of education, well-being
Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving education and other sectors.
Yahaya who was represented on Thursday by the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, made this pledge at the closing ceremony of the JAPAN-UNESCO project.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the project was a collaboration between the Japanese Government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation aimed at strengthening peacebuilding and resilience in North-East Nigeria through education, economic empowerment, and social change.
Yahaya said, “We are dedicated to increasing budgetary allocations, recruiting teachers, and reintegrating approximately 400,000 children into the school system since 2020.”
The governor challenged the beneficiaries of the JAPAN-UNESCO project to share their knowledge and skills with others in their communities, stating, “We encourage you to extend the benefits of this project to more people in the North-East.”
In his remarks, Mr Abdurrahmane Diallo, the head of the UNESCO office and UNESCO representative in Nigeria, emphasised the importance of the intervention in addressing armed violence in the North-East.
The JAPAN-UNESCO project focused on three key priorities: promoting peace, providing reconstruction assistance in the North-East, and offering humanitarian aid to internally displaced persons and vulnerable families.
“As part of the initiative, one thousand IDPs and vulnerable families in Gombe State were provided with skill training and starter packs in various fields
“The project aimed to empower individuals and communities to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region,”Mr Diallo added.
He added, “The project has contributed to the United Nations response to the humanitarian crises in North East Nigeria and supported Gombe state to deliver on social and economic development. in the past 12 months.”
Diallo said about 1,000 IDPs and vulnerable familles in host communities, particularly young women and girls, have acquired various skills with leaming for peacebuilding, psychosocial support for long-term recovery, and opportunities for socio-economic empowerment.
“It is gratifying to note that IDP beneficiaries affirmed that the counselling sessions were useful in processing trauma, embracing forgiveness, and integrating in their new communities,” he added.
Diallo urged the beneficiaries to use the skills acquired to be self reliant adding, “As you receive your start-up kits and equipment, I urge you to make good use of them to improve yourselves and your families.”
Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the Japan-UNESCO project expressed profound gratitude for the initiative’s empowerment efforts and provision of startup packages.
Jedidatau Tugga, who learned catering, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am thankful for the opportunity to acquire skills in preparing a variety of meals and pastries. Starting with my application at the Ministry of Women Affairs, I was selected to participate in the programme.”
Tugga emphasised that besides learning culinary skills, “I also gained knowledge on customer service, enabling me to become self-employed and eager to share my expertise with others,” she added.
Similarly, Hassan Mohammed Jibrin, who learned shoemaking, shared his appreciation, saying, “It has been my long-time dream, and I am grateful for this opportunity provided by the project.”
Earlier, Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, whose address was delivered virtually highlighted the project’s dual aim of improving livelihoods and fostering long-lasting peace and stability in the region.
He commended, Gombe State Government for its support and acknowledged UNESCO and other implementing partners for the project’s success.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Gombe State Commissioners of Budget and Economic Planning; Alhaji Salihu Baba Alkali, Youth and Sports Development; Alhaji Inuwa Ibrahim Pantami, and Education; Dr Aishatu Maigari.
They all appreciated the positive impact of the project and urged beneficiaries to utilise the startup packages for their intended purposes
