TheCable

BY TITILOPE FADARE 

Sana’ada Ilimi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has given a N250,000 grant to five female internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Abuja and Borno state.

The grant follows TheCable’s report on how the women are getting back their livelihood despite being displaced by Boko Haram insurgents.

The women, mostly widows, got N50,000 each.

They had fled Gwoza and Bama local government areas in Borno state between 2011 and 2014.

Now breadwinners, they cater for their children, through their businesses.

Amina Ado, chairman, board of trustees of the foundation, said the grants were given to the women because they are independent and hard working.

Ado called on the government to find a lasting solution to the plight of the displaced persons.

She suggested resettlement of those who want to return to their community, noting that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) is adequately funded to carry out such activities.

Liyatu Ayuba, one of the beneficiaries, said: “The day you called me to get the numbers of the other women, I was surprised. I took it like a joke. 

“I remember on the 31st of December, I prayed to God to help me this year, so that my business will get better so I can help other people. I asked God to open doors for me. 

“The following day, the woman called me asking if I was the one they interviewed in the camp and confirmed my name. She said she was going to help me with N50,000 for my business. That day, I shouted thank you Lord, thank you Jesus.”

On what she intends to do with the grant, Ayuba said: “I assured the woman that the money I will not play with it but put it in my business and I believe the money will grow, I will use it to employ more women and it will grow to N50 million.” 

Hadiza Khadijat, a tailor and fish farmer living in Karon-Majiji camp, said the money came when she had a lot of bills to settle.

“The money came timely because I will use it in my business, to pay my children’s school fees, take care of my children that are ill and also to buy more catfish fingerlings for my fish farming. I appreciate Madam Amina. May God continue to bless her,” she said.

Ruth Steven, another beneficiary, who resides in Maiduguri and sells fried beans cake, said; “I cried that day. She told me she is giving me the money to boost my business.”

She said she will use the money to buy more tubers of yam and store them as against buying in bits.

This, she believes, will aid her sales.