Commission, Gombe State Disburse N1.5b to 10,000 MSMEs, Households

The North East Development Commission, NEDC, in partnership with the Gombe State Government has commenced the disbursement of N1.5b to 10,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), households, and other vulnerable groups affected by the 2024 floods in the state

The beneficiaries are in the categories of MSMES, People Living with Disabilities, widows and households, to support MSMEs and others affected by the devastating floods during the past rainy season in Gombe State.

Flagging off the exercise, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said his administration had over the years undertaken various palliative food distribution programmes and provided emergency intervention to flood victims and other disaster-affected groups.

He said; “Our focus has been unwavering: to provide a safety net for our people and empower them to rebuild their lives.”

Governor Yahaya said; “the selection process underscores the determination to ensure that no one was left behind and that every penny of the fund reached the deserving individuals and businesses that had been mostly affected.”

He commended the committee tasked with designing the modalities and criteria for selecting the beneficiaries, saying business organisations, and stakeholders across the nooks and crannies of Gombe State, who needed it the most, would be reached.

Governor Yahaya urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds, so that the support should be the foundation to rebuild their businesses and livelihoods.

“This is not just an opportunity to recover but a chance to grow stronger and become more resilient. Your success is our collective success, and the progress of your businesses will contribute significantly to the economic growth and stability of our dear state,” Governor Yahaya said.

He recommitted to the welfare and prosperity of the people, by continually working tirelessly to attract more interventions, implement more policies that support business growth, and create an environment where every citizen can thrive.

Governor Yahaya urged the residents of Gombe to embrace collective responsibility while assuring them that the government would continue to provide support and resources to harness opportunities and contribute to the state’s development.

He thanked the NEDC for its support and collaboration, and the people of Gombe State for their resilience and unity in the face of challenges.

The Chairman of the Village Market Traders Association, Mr. Uba Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to Governor Yahaya and the NEDC on behalf of the 3,333 Associations he represents.

He pledged to ensure that all beneficiaries make responsible use of the funds.

Mercy Chukwudiebere