Jigawa State Government has approved the release of the sum of N270 million empowerment credit facility aimed at creating 27 new millionaires in the state.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi disclosed this in his speech delivered during an opening ceremony of one week of training on business management organised for the 27 prospective millionaires created by the state government.
Gov Namadi explained that each beneficiary would collect the sum of N10 million,
“This is part of our campaign promises to create 150 million before the end of his first tenure.
“This administration would create 27 millionaires in plumbing materials business on his quest to create 150 millionaires before the end of our first tenure.”
According to him, “After careful assessment of the condition of water supply infrastructures in the state, government identified a huge gap in the management of thousands of Hand pumps materials, spare parts and water treatment chemicals across the state”.
“To address the gaps, we earlier trained and empowered 287 youth on hand pump repairing, one person from each of our political wards, however, we now initiated project on empowering 27 people to engage in the business of selling the spare parts of the hand pump and other plumbing materials at each headquarters of our 27 local government.
“Each of the 27 selected businessmen was given a capital of not less than N10 million and connected with production company for supplying the materials at reasonable price. We also directed all our 27 local government Chairmen to patronise them and also engaged our trained youth on any contract of repairing hand pumps in their area.
“Today we are proud to say we have created 27 Millionaires and we pray Almighty to bless their business and give them prosperity,” Governor Namadi stated.
While fielding questions from newsmen, the Executive Secretary of Jigawa State Directorate for Economic Empowerment, Dr Habibu Ubale said, the state has so far through the directorate empowered over 48,000 people in various disciplines, trades, and businesses.
Dr. Habibu Ubale maintained; “From the inception of this administration to today’s programme we empowered over 48,000 in Jigawa in terms of activities that are direct, indirect it’s God Almighty knows”.
He said males and females were empowered in various disciplines such as ICT, Painting and POP Plumbing, Agricultural activities, eh J-Agro, etc.
Commenting on the 27 millionaires, the executive secretary noted; “One beneficiary is selected from each of the 27 local government areas based on merit including their integrity business track records and other criteria laid down for the sustainability of the business”.
He disclosed that the credit facility is interest-free and to be paid back to government in four years under the agreement of the loan.
“We have also established mechanism for monitoring the beneficiaries and evaluating their transaction for immediate advice and intervention where it is necessary.
“This project has multiple effects including jobs creation, poverty eradication, enhancing water supply and strengthening public health amongst others,” the ES declared.
