The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has unveiled six new centres and a solar-powered water project in Kudai, Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa state.

The WOFAN president, Salamatu Garba, who made this known in a statement on Friday, said that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to promote community empowerment and development.

Mrs Garba said that a marketing hub for persons with disabilities (PWD) was also launched to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Peace, with support from the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy.

She said that the newly inaugurated solar-powered water system, which includes 12 water points, will meet the water needs of over 500,000 households in Kudai and neighbouring communities.

According to her, this is especially important for residents who have long relied on an eroding, deteriorating open well.

“The intervention is a direct response to the plea of Ahmadu, a young man without hands or legs, who is determined to earn a living rather than beg.

“We are committed to empowering 57,500 young PWDs and 9,000 agro-loaders and transporters across Nigeria.

“The new women centres are equipped with rice parboiling and milling equipment, rice destoners, polishers, and hammer mills to boost food processing in the region.

“Each centre also received N1.8 million in startup capital to support women-led businesses.

“In addition, 24 tricycle carriers, each valued at three million naira were distributed to local agro-loaders and transporters,” she said.

She said that 40 hand-operated tricycles were also provided to individuals with limited mobility to support their independence in daily activities”.

Mrs Garba said that the marketing hub for PWDs, next to the Women’s Centre, promoted business growth with 24-hour solar power, charging stations and facilities for small businesses like barber shops’ and phone charging services.

She said that WOFAN’s focus on Kudai was sparked by a viral video of Ahmadu Yakubu, a tetraplegic man struggling on the streets.

This, she said, reflected the broader challenges faced by PWDs and the need for sustainable job creation.

Mrs Garba also praised WOFAN’s trainers, enterprise workers, and community leaders for their dedication.

She emphasised that the project addressed water shortages and food security concerns and also promoted economic inclusion, peace, and dignity, particularly for vulnerable groups.

The Emir of Dutse, Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi, grand patron of WOFAN in Jigawa, officially commissioned the solar-powered borehole, which will support vegetable gardening and orchard development, further enhancing local agriculture.

(NAN)