FG, Ndume empower 350 Southern Borno IDPs

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in collaboration with Senator representing Borno South, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has provided support for displaced people in Southern Borno by training about 350 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to empower them in Point of Sales (POS) operations.

Flagging off the empowerment program in Maiduguri, the sponsor, Senator Ndume, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking proactive measures to mitigate the humanitarian and socio-economic challenges facing the people of the North East region as part of the fulfilment of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’

He noted that the empowerment program has brought tremendous improvement in the lives of vulnerable people in society.

Senator Ndume recalled that over a decade of Boko Haram crisis, coupled with epileptic telecommunication networks and power supply, has economically affected the people in the nine local government areas of the constituency, stating that virtually all banks in each council have shut their outlets except in Biu, where there are a few functional banks.

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He noted that the cashless policy and the ongoing electronic banking system have also created difficulty for most people in Southern Borno in their daily transactions and businesses.

He said,  “I am very happy to be part of this training and empowerment initiative. We have a total of 350 people drawn from each ward of Southern Borno, and most of the beneficiaries are IDPs.

“This training and empowerment program will not only improve the financial inclusion of our community but also create employment opportunities for our youth.

“Let me use this opportunity to applaud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and for partnering with Mbeva Investment Nigeria Ltd towards the betterment of the lives of the vulnerable in society.

“As you are aware, the over-decade-long Boko Haram crisis, coupled with an unreliable network and power supply, has economically affected the people in my constituency, as there are virtually no existing banks in each council, except in Biu, where there are a few functional banks.

“The situation has worsened with the cashless policy and the ongoing electronic banking system. Many people in Southern Borno are facing difficulty in their daily transactions and businesses. But with this exercise, there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Ndume stated.

He therefore urged all participants to make good use of the gesture and the kits given to each of them for POS operations, to become economically self-reliant and contribute to the development of society.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Mbeva Investment Nigeria Limited, Honourable Musa Ali, singled out Miss Rhoda Chibok, who traveled from Chibok local government to Mubi in Adamawa State just to obtain her BVN and other needed accreditations that qualified her to be one of the beneficiaries.

“I am delighted to welcome you to this POS machine training, proudly sponsored by the visionary leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.

“Today, we gather to empower our youth with the skills necessary to excel in the digital economy. This initiative would not have been possible without Senator Ndume’s unwavering commitment to the development of our community.

“Senator Ndume’s remarkable leadership has earned him a reputation as a senator who tirelessly advocates for the welfare of all Nigerians, not just those from his native Borno South senatorial district.

“Through this partnership with Mbeva Investment Nig. Ltd, a renowned contract company, we are equipping our trainees with comprehensive POS machine operation knowledge, efficient transaction processing skills, and enhanced financial management expertise.

“I therefore urge you (participants) to take full advantage of this opportunity and acquire the skills necessary to succeed and become ambassadors of financial literacy,” Hon. Ali stated.