By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Qatar Charity Organization has donated economic empowerment equipment valued at over ₦300 million to 60 widows and vulnerable persons across the 27 local government areas of Jigawa State.
The items were distributed during a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Dutse, and presided over by the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi. It marked the second such empowerment initiative within six months facilitated by the partnership between the Jigawa State Government and the State of Qatar.
In his address, Governor Namadi welcomed the Qatari delegation, led by the Ambassador of Qatar to Nigeria, Dr. Ali Bin Ghanim Al-Hajiri, and the Country Director of Qatar Charity, Sheikh Hamdi Abdou, commending their sustained support for the people of Jigawa.
“Between the two visits, Qatar Charity has also supported the provision of water, educational facilities, and mosques across several communities in the state,” Governor Namadi stated.
“These sustained interventions demonstrate a strong bond of brotherhood, love, and partnership between the Government and People of Qatar and those of Jigawa State.”
Also speaking, the Qatari Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Ali Bin Ghanim Al-Hajiri, praised Governor Namadi for his administration’s achievements in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and social welfare, describing Jigawa as a model of security and development.
“Jigawa is unique in its political, economic, and social values. The state’s developmental vision is commendable and has made it one of the most secure in Nigeria,” he said.
On his part, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, Mr. Auwalu Danladi Sankara, noted that the presence of top representatives from both the Qatar Embassy and Qatar Charity speaks volumes about the depth of the relationship between the two governments.
He explained that two of the most vulnerable persons were selected from each of the 27 LGAs, while additional slots were allocated to the five emirates and one extra beneficiary based on vulnerability criteria.
Mr. Sankara commended the Qatar Charity for the donation and assured that the state government would ensure proper utilization of the empowerment tools.
The materials distributed include:
20 tricycles for human transportation
20 tricycles for goods transportation
20 heavy-duty grinding machines
In addition, the Jigawa State Government provided a ₦50,000 cash grant to each beneficiary to support the startup or scaling of their businesses.
One of the beneficiaries, Hajia Fatima from Malam Madori LGA, expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy. I thank Qatar Charity for the grinding machine and the state government for selecting me. I will use this support to take care of my family,” she said.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Qatar Charity Organization to alleviate poverty and support grassroots development through strategic international partnerships.