A member, representing Bodinga-Dange, Shuni-Tureta federal constituency, Dr. Balarabe Kakale has set aside N200 million for the empowerment of Almajiri and small scale businessmen in his constituency.
In an interview shortly after distributing nine vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 60 sewing machines, 40 grinding machines among others to the first set of the beneficiaries, he said it was meant to discourage Almajirai from begging.
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He added that he was targeting 1000 almajirai this year alone, adding that the programme was a continuous one.
According to him, the money was also meant to empower Makarantun Allo (Qur’anic schools) and their Malams.
“That is why we distributed 4 mini-van vehicles to Makarantun Allo and 33 motorcycles to their Malams, which they can use to generate incomes.
“And we also empowered Makarantun Allo graduates, women and peoples with disability and other entrepreneurs with working tools and interest free loans,” he said
He explained that the project was tagged “Kowa Ya Iya Allon shi, sai shi wanke,” meaning ” Expertise sales” because it was meant to make Almajirai self-reliants.
Kakale who is fondly called “Member mai Allo” for championing the cause of Almajiri in the country, added that a committee was set up to monitor their performance and ensure a full recovery of the loan.
“Because our banking partners have promised to give a matching fund, if the monies are successfully recovered,” he said.
Kakale who is the co-sponsored of Almajiri Transformation bill at the lower chamber however, kicked against integration of almajiri system of education because our curriculum was not encouraging productiveness.
He also noted that the federal government plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, would not succeed without empowering Almajirai.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ministers of Humanitarian Affairs, Women Affairs and the Sokoto state government for their concern to the plight of Almajirai in the country.
At the distribution ceremony held in Bodinga local government area of Sokoto state, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, said the federal government would support any move to transform the almajiri system of education in the country.
Represented by Dr. Umar Bindir she said that “we will use this programme as a template to address the issue of almajiranci in the country.
The Co-sponsor of Almajiri bill, Hajiya Aishat Jibril Dukku commended her colleague for this laudable gesture.
