Yola witnessed a day of celebration on Saturday as Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, representing Adamawa Central and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology, rolled out a multi-million naira empowerment program at the Mahmoud Ribadu Square.
The initiative, which spanned the seven Local Government Areas of Hong, Gombi, Song, Girei, Yola North, Yola South, and Fufore, provided cars, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, refrigerators, solar water pumps, and generators to constituents in a bid to stimulate grassroots economic growth.
Senator Abbas, in his address, described the program as a fulfillment of his campaign promises and a deliberate effort to foster self-reliance.
He stressed that the intervention was not merely about distributing items but about equipping citizens with tools to become entrepreneurs and contributors to the local economy.
“My mandate is a sacred trust. Today is not just about giving out items; it is about providing the means for our people to stand on their own feet,” he declared, urging beneficiaries to use the equipment for the intended purposes.
The event drew commendations from political leaders and government officials. Alhaji Isa Bagalci, representing the APC State Chairman, lauded the Senator’s performance, describing him as a man of action whose efforts have set a high bar for legislative representation.
Dr. Adamu Babikkoi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Good Governance, said the initiative aligned perfectly with the state’s broader development goals, while Alhaji Salihu Baba Ahmed, Special Adviser on Political Matters, emphasized Abbas’ grassroots connection and responsiveness to the needs of his people.
Chief Alexander Barunde, chairman of the local organizing committee, hailed the scale of the intervention as unprecedented, calling it “a revolution in representation.” Beneficiaries also expressed heartfelt gratitude, with representatives from the transport sector noting that the empowerment had turned distant dreams of owning vehicles into reality.
“Senator Abbas has not just given us machines; he has given us a livelihood,” they said.
The empowerment program has been widely praised as a landmark intervention that underscores Senator Abbas’ commitment to poverty reduction, economic stability, and people-oriented governance in Adamawa Central.
