Empowerment: ACCIF, TY Danjuma Foundation Provide Equipments Worth N14 Million to 55 IDPs
By Alex Uangbaoje, Abuja
Despite the hard times currently bitting the economy of Nigeria as a result of recession, All Children Charity International Foundation (ACCIF), in partnership with TY Danjuma Foundation, on Thursday donated startup equipments and materials worth N14 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), after seven months of intense training on skills acquisition in various trade.
The training which was the second in the series of IDPs empowerment by ACCIF and TY Danjuma Foundation, provided intervention for fifty five (55) IDPs at New Kuchingoro and Pegi, Kuje camps in Welding technology, Shoe making, Tailoring and bead making.
Speaking during the graduation and hand-over ceremony at the New Kuchingoro, Abuja, IDP camp, Executive Director, ACCIF, Barrister Ranti Daudu commended the trainees for exhibiting good sense of commitment, dedication and enthusiasm through out the period of their training.
She charged them to ensure they fully utilize the materials provided to them and also encourage them to use the skills they have acquired to train, transform and empower the lives of other IDPs and willing Nigerians in their various camps and beyond.
“I wish to state categorically here that hope has been restored to these IDPs due to the skills they have acquired in the past seven months. TY Danjuma Foundation and ACCIF intervention could not have come at a better time than now, when the well of charity for the IDPs is gradually drying up in view of the economic depression facing Nigeria.
“ACCIF will continue to monitor the progress made and announce to the world your success stories and development in your various skills.
“We call on the general public, government agencies and private organisations to patronize the products of our trained graduates class of 2016. We encourage secondary schools and other NGOs to employ our trained IDPs in the training students and the unemployed in various skills. Barr. Ranti pleaded.
She called on all stakeholders to emulate the good works of Gen. TY Danjuma who is a leading pacesetter in humanitarian and philanthropic development in Nigeria, adding “his organisation is truly exceptional in lighting a candle and ‘in the teaching of how to catch fish than giving the fish”.
In his remarks, Executive Director, TY Danjuma Foundation, Dr. Udo Sunday, who was represented by Finance/Admin Manager, Shuaibu Ade-adebayo, noted that ACCIF as an NGO has shown integrity with the funds given to them by TY Danjuma Foundation.
“They have shown accountability and transparency for the money given to them, and I want to say also that we will continue to partner with ACCIF because we believe they are an organization to reckon with.
“I want to inform you that through TY Danjuma Foundation and ACCIF efforts, we have instituted a sustainability plan for the trainees to bring them into the society, we know that finance is very important because before they can buy raw materials that they will use, they need funds.
“let me assure you that it is not a statement we say and we will go and rest, TY Danjuma is ready to work without sleep and try to follow the sustainability plan. In NGO world we see it as a sustainability plan, if you empower them and back them up with some funds I think they will not forget what you just empower them with and drop them at home.” Shuaib said.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with us expressed joy and gratitude to God for using ACCIF and TY Danjuma Foundation to liberate them from the predicament they found themselves since Boko Haram insurgents strucked their communities that sent them packing from their homes.
55 years old Chiroma Wakil, a father of 8 children from Chibok community, who was one of the beneficiaries in welding technology, could not hold his joy when he said, “I am happy now Mama ACCIF and TY Danjuma has made me forget my suffering and all what Boko Haram done to me.
“I can now feed my family again, because I am setting up my business immediately. I was farming and selling pharmaceutical products in my village before the unfortunate incident happened and i lost everything but now I have hope again.”
Chimbaki Askilla, a 24 years old girl, who was trained in tailoring and bead making, was displaced from her community in Madagali, Adamawa State, immediately after her secondary school education, she prays God to reward ACCIF and TY Danjuma Foundation for giving back hope for her future.
“I never imagined that any one could come to my aid after all I have went through, I got separated from my family ever since Boko Haram attacked our town and the last time I spoke with them was May this year and they told me they were in Cameroon but I can’t tell what has happened to them now.
“With this gesture done to me am very sure I can stand on my own. I now have hope that I can continue my education, all thanks to Mama ACCIF and TY Danjuma. I am even planning how I can take some other IDPs here along with me so I can give them support to show appreciation for what I have benefited from here.”
Start-up equipment and materials provided for the trainees include; diesel generators, welding machines, welding filing machines, Iron vises Hand tunges Cartons of electrode and other welding essentials for welders.
The tailors received Sewing machines, cutting tables, electric and charcoal pressing irons and other start up materials. While the shoe-makers got Hand sewing machines, filling machines, generators, tables and other shoe making tools and essentials. Two (2) gringing machines were also donated for communal use in both camps.
The Beneficiaries and ACCIF team use the occasion to wish the Chairman, TY Danjuma Foundation, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma a Happy Birthday and also presented him with gifts as he marks his birthday today. They pray for God’s protection and guidance for him.
