Bauchi State Government, through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has appealed to Global Affairs Canada to extend its Seven-year Poverty Reductions Programme embarked upon in six local governments areas in Bauchi State to the other 14 local governments.
The Bauchi Government says the programme has impacted positively by reducing poverty among the women in the rural poor communities in the six local government areas.
The government made the plea at a press briefing in Katagum, shortly after inspecting the projects executed by the partners.
The benefiting communities are Alkaleri, Tafawabalewa, Ningi, Darazo, Gamawa and Shira.
The programme mainly focus on meeting vulnerable people’s needs, saving lives, sustaining increased income for the poorest and transforming attitudes about women’s roles and rights.
Despite the enormous agricultural potential in Bauchi State, the representative of OXFAM, Samuel Lashom, said before the commencement of the programme, it was very difficult for the communities to harness them, due to poor access to financial services.
The Bauchi State Government is hopeful that Global Affairs Canada, through OXFAM Nigeria, will consider their plight, and apply the same gesture in the remaining local governments areas, to reduce poverty in rural communities in Bauchi State.
The programme is expected to wind up this year
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe