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By Tracy Moses
The Executive Director (Technical Services) of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, has provided empowerment support to more than 3,000 All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Kano State.
Umar, a son of former Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, unveiled the first phase of the empowerment scheme during a ceremony held Sunday evening at the Armani Event Centre in Kano.
According to a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by Edwin Olofu, Chief Press Secretary to the former APC National Chairman, the items were distributed to youths from all 44 local government areas of the state. The package includes a range of agricultural inputs and tools aimed at strengthening food production and enhancing the beneficiaries’ economic independence.
Addressing the large crowd at the event, Engr. Umar described the initiative as only the beginning of broader empowerment programmes he plans for youths and women across the state.
He explained that his desire to uplift people was the driving force behind the initiative, noting that his support extends beyond Tofa/Dawakin-Tofa/Rimingado federal constituency, where he hails from.
He also disclosed that preparations for the second phase of the scheme were already in progress.
“We have already started working on the next phase of this empowerment. This is just the beginning. Anyone who did not benefit today should remain hopeful, your time will come,” he assured.
Items handed out to beneficiaries include tricycles, mini-trucks, fertilizers, herbicides, improved seedlings, and solar-powered equipment. Others include irrigation pumps and various agro-processing machines designed to improve productivity and promote self-sufficiency.
Umar urged beneficiaries to use the items responsibly and not to sell them, stressing that the intervention was intended to improve their livelihoods.
He also acknowledged APC leaders in Kano for motivating his dedication to public service.
“I’m inspired by the commitment of our APC leaders here in Kano. Their dedication to the people has encouraged me and many others. Leaders such as Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Murtala Sule Garo, Abba Bichi, and Mariya Bunkure continue to shape our resolve to serve,” he said.
He prayed for a future where every member of the party would enjoy meaningful benefits.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for what many described as life-changing assistance, saying the support came at a critical time.
One of them, Aminu Ahmad, said the free fertilizer would help revive farming efforts that had been hindered by rising costs.
“Fertilizer has become too expensive and it has affected our yield. What we received today will help us return to the farm. We are grateful, and this shows that Engr. Umar is truly following in the footsteps of his father,” he said.
Another beneficiary, who received a solar-powered irrigation pump, noted that his community had never enjoyed such support before.
“This is a first for us. We appreciate Abba Ganduje and we will reward this kindness with loyalty,” he said.
Meanwhile, shortly after the distribution, Engr. Umar welcomed no fewer than 500 defectors from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) who officially joined the APC.
Receiving them, he promised they would be treated as full members and not discriminated against.
He commended their decision to join what he described as the strongest political party in Africa, saying: “We appreciate your courage to embrace the truth and join the APC