Canadian project has benefited over 18,000 people in Bauchi

Over the span of the years 2017 to the present, a significant initiative aimed at poverty eradication has unfolded in Bauchi State, Nigeria. 

This transformative endeavor, driven by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), a global affairs Canadian fund project, has empowered no fewer than 18,000 women and youths through comprehensive entrepreneurial skills training coupled with essential start-up capital.

The culmination of this impactful project was marked by an event in Bauchi, where MEDA’s Community Liaison Officer, Malam Iliya Shu’aibu, provided insights into the endeavor.

The initiative, since its inception in 2017, strategically operated across seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the state: Bauchi, Toro, Warji, Ganjuwa, Jama’are, Dass, and Katagum.

During this period, MEDA accomplished significant milestones, including the registration of 294 small-scale businesses and the establishment of 509 savings groups across 443 communities within the aforementioned LGAs.

These achievements underscore the widespread and inclusive nature of the project, reaching diverse communities and fostering grassroots development.

Mrs. Grace Fosen, the Country Project Coordinator of MEDA, outlined the core objectives of the initiative.

The primary focus was to catalyze positive improvements in the business capacity of women and youths.

Furthermore, the project aspired to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, particularly in the realm of small-scale businesses engaged in the production and processing of essential farm produce like rice, groundnut, and soybean.

A testament to the success of the program came from a beneficiary, Binta Zubairu, who shared her experience.

Binta highlighted that she underwent training in business development and financial literacy, acquiring skills that significantly enhanced her business acumen.

Her participation in the training, conducted in Warji, spurred her decision to diversify her business activities.

Binta transitioned to marketing, now engaged in the purchase and resale of grains—a tangible example of the positive impact of the entrepreneurial skills imparted by the MEDA project.

In essence, this initiative stands as a beacon of empowerment, fostering economic growth, and creating a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of thousands in Bauchi State.

Through targeted training and strategic support, MEDA has played a pivotal role in uplifting communities, demonstrating the profound impact that focused efforts can have on poverty alleviation and sustainable development.