Bauchi Govt, SDGs, AUDA-NEPAD Empower 490 Beneficiaries Across 20 LGAs By Abdullahi Idris, Bauchi

 The Bauchi State Government, through the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has launched a statewide empowerment programme targeting vulnerable groups across the 20 local government areas of the state, as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and inclusive economic growth.

Members of SDG led by the Executive director presenting packages to beneficial.

Under the initiative, ₦5.5 million in cash grants and 108 goats were distributed to 490 beneficiaries, with a focus on smallholder farmers and the less privileged.

Boosting Grassroots Livelihoods

Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Director-General of the Bauchi State SDGs Office, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Gar, described the programme as a critical intervention aimed at strengthening livelihoods and enhancing food security in the state.

She said the empowerment drive is being implemented in partnership with the African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), an organisation committed to advancing sustainable development across Africa.

According to Mrs. Gar, the initiative builds on several empowerment programmes already carried out by the SDGs office, including the training of SDGs desk officers, cash support to farmers, livestock distribution, and the provision of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers, knapsack sprayers, and seedlings. She added that the profiling of small holder farmers across all LGAs is ongoing.

Empowerment with Accountability

“Today, we are empowering beneficiaries with tangible resources that can transform lives and communities,” she said.

“This initiative supports livelihoods, enhances food security, and promotes economic resilience. Beneficiaries are expected to use these resources wisely, invest in their future, and contribute to the development of their communities.”

Mrs. Gar explained that 30 beneficiaries were selected from nine focus LGAs, while 20 beneficiaries each were drawn from 11 non-focus LGAs. She assured that SDGs officials would closely monitor the programme to ensure sustainability.

She also stressed that beneficiaries who received goats were expected to rear them for multiplication rather than sell them, so that more people could benefit over time. Those who received cash grants were advised to channel the funds into improving their businesses.

Stakeholders Commend Initiative

In separate remarks, some local government chairmen commended the SDGs office and AUDA-NEPAD for the timely intervention and pledged to support effective monitoring at the grassroots.

Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Bauchi State Government, the SDGs office, and AUDA-NEPAD, promising to utilise the support judiciously in line with the objectives of the programme.