Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, yesterday commenced distribution of N10,000 each to about 54,000 indigent persons in the state to reduce poverty.
Managing Director of the Dangote Foundation Dr Adhiambo Odaga said the foundation earmarked N540 million for distribution to targeted beneficiaries in the 27 local government areas of Borno State as part of the disbursement of N1.1billion meant for Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, which are under state of emergency.
Apart from Borno, Odaga said 177,500 women and 19,000 youths in Kano, Kogi, Adamawa and Yobe States have benefitted from the programme.
She said the micro-grant is part of a national programme instituted by the Dangote Group to provide cash transfers to at least 1,000 poor and vulnerable Nigerians in each of the 774 local government areas of the federation.
“Dangote Foundation’s micro-grants enable recipients to grow or start an enterprise, invest in productive assets, improve the health of their families and or take on new activities that will reduce their vulnerability and enhance the economic standing of their household and communities,” she said.
Governor Kashim Shettima and his wife monitored the flag-off of the exercise in Maiduguri.
