Zulum inaugurates Alpha mechanic village in Borno with N305.2 million grants
By Tada JUTHA, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has inaugurated the Alpha Mechanic Village (ALMV) with the disbursement of N305.2 million grants and loans to beneficiaries.
The village located on Damboa Road, is to accommodate 4,250 mechanics to repair vehicles, including electric generators amid a 10 months power outage in the state.
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While commissioning the mechanic village Wednesday, the Governor disclosed: “This signifies a historic turning point in our quest to develop the entire state that was hit by the 12-year Boko Haram terrorism.”
According to him, the disbursement of grants and loans to the beneficiaries will create more job opportunities with productivity among youths.
He added that four mechanic villages are to be built along Dikwa, Bama, Monguno and Damaturu Roads.
Besides, he noted that the disbursement could also add more value to the socioeconomic activities in the state.
He therefore urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds judiciously and be their brothers’ keeper, warning that; “Don’t bite the hands that feed you.”
The Managing Director of the State’s Microfinance Bank, Dr. Ibrahim Bello disclosed: “As it stands today, over N2.5 billion has been disbursed to 32, 000 Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) across the state in the last two years,” noting the funds excludes the N305.2 million disbursement to 4, 250 automobile technicians and other vehicle repairers.
According to him, since last year; N1.35 billion has been disbursed to 28, 700 SME beneficiaries from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Jere, Biu, Ngala and Gwoza councils.
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He said that the beneficiaries are selected from the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Bello noted that the state has safely wriggled out Boko Haram insurgency to restore the destroyed means of livelihoods.
