Mrs. Grace Njoku, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Women Affairs, disclosed this information in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, conveyed the government's plan during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Chibok community, led by its District Head, Ahmadu Usman.
The initiative aims to revitalize the economy of the area following the 2014 kidnapping incident at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok.
Mrs. Njoku added that, following consultations with the management of the American University, Yola, it was agreed that 50 per cent of the money paid by the Federal Government as school fees for the kidnapped Chibok girls in the university would be invested in the community.
And this will also provide relief to the community from the psychological trauma experienced after the unfortunate incident, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
Explaining the collaboration, she said, "Through collaboration, the American University will use the N210 million raised to buy industrial machines for milling of rice, corn, and a solar pumping machine for irrigation farming."
“Also, fish grilling machine, sewing machines, tricycle trucks, among others, will be purchased to improve the community’s means of livelihood, as well as for socio-economic growth and development.”
Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, the Director-General, Maryam Babangida National Women Development Centre (MBNCWD), said the gesture was to restore hope in members of the community.
Vilita-Bashir urged the community to key into the project to improve members’ living standard.
Responding, district head of the Chibok community thanked government for the assistance.
Usman said the equipment would boost the economy of the community, assuring that the community would put them to good use for the benefit of affected families and the community.
