Khadijah Aliyu
The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has made a significant impact in the Kudai community, Dutse local government, Jigawa State by commissioning a Women’s and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Centre, solar-powered boreholes, 24 tricycles, and hand–operated tricycle carriers. in commemoration of international Peace Day 2024.
Speaking at the event, the executive director of WOFAN, Hajiya Salamatu Garba, explained that the ICON 2 project is in collaboration with the MasterCard foundation.
She pointed out that the initiative aims to uplift marginalized groups and improve living conditions in the region.
“The 24 tricycles will support local agro-commodity transporters and loaders, and the hand-operated tricycle carriers for 40 individuals with mobility challenges will make them self reliant “
According to Hajiya Salamatu the newly established Women’s Centre is designed as a hub for PWDs and equipped with modern facilities to support agro-businesses
“The centre is equipped with advanced tools for food processing, such as parboiling equipment, rice and maize mills, rice destoners, and polishers”
The ED WOFAN explained that the center has a solar-powered water source, featuring 12 water points that will serve over 500,000 households in Kudai and its neighbouring communities to address critical water need, as the initial only source of access to water was an open well.
“The Kudai Women’s Centre is just one of six similar centers being inaugurated in Jigawa, further emphasizing WOFAN’s commitment to economic empowerment and job creation.”
Hajiya Salamatu posited that the initiative responds to the story of Ahmadu Yakubu, a young man who sought dignity through work despite his physical limitations.
“Earlier i saw a vedio of Ahmadu where he explained the challenges he is facing as a PWD, including water scarcity, and is forced to utilize an old and unhygienic well in his compound, which he shares with other neighbors”
She noted that, WOFAN visited Kudai community on the 10th of August 2024, to capture pictures and videos of the condition of Ahmadu, saying that, the team documented the condition of the well and later and intervened by constructing a borehole to provide water not only to Ahmadu’s house but also to other community members”
“His inspiring story motivated us to extend this intervention to the entire Kudai community, reinforcing our mission to foster inclusive growth.”
Paradigm News reports that, the solar-powered boreholes, valued at ₦18 million, will provide water for household use, as well as support local vegetable gardening and orchard projects.
The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hammem Nuhu Sunusi represented by the Dutse district head of Aujara Alhaji Aminu Dankadai, commmended WOFAN for the initiative.
He maintained that, the project brings hope and dignity to many, especially those who have been overlooked. Saying that it is a symbol of peace and unity.
The Emir urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the center and equipment for the betterment of their society.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries Ahmad Yakubu expressed happiness over WOFAN’s intervention.
“Before this center, we had to travel far to process our rice and maize, now with the milling machines and other equipment here, we can process and sell our products right in the community. It saves us time and money, and we’re able to earn more to support our families.”
Ibrahim Musa, a local agro-commodity loader who received one of the 24 tricycle carriers distributed during the event said “We used to carry loads on our heads and backs, which was exhausting.
“These tricycles will make our work easier and faster, allowing us to transport more goods and earn more income.”
The WOFAN ICON 2 project, In collaboration with the MasterCard foundation, aims to empower over 57,500 young individuals with disabilities and 9,000 agro-loaders across ten Nigerian states.
The center will provide water for household use, support local vegetable gardening and orchard projects, and make 40 individuals with mobility challenges self-reliant.
This initiative is a shining example of promoting peace and unity, especially for those who have been overlooked. It’s a testament to WOFAN’s commitment to economic empowerment and job creation.