By Isaac Odeh
In a bid to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable women and youth, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, in collaboration with Global Peace Women Nigeria, has disbursed the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira to five cooperative societies in Zikpak Chiefdom, Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Presenting the cheque on Tuesday in Kafanchan to the Agwam Fantswam II, Dr. Josiah Kantiok, who, in turn, handed it over to the beneficiaries, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the gesture aims to enhance the income levels of the benefiting groups.
He explained that the five cooperative societies, comprising 60 women and 40 youth across genders, had been trained by the organisation on peace-building mechanisms under the “One Family Under God” model and financial literacy. The trainees were grouped into 20 persons per group.
The Country Director reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to working with the people until meaningful change is achieved, fostering an appreciation of differences across tribes and religions, and underscoring the shared humanity of all as descendants of Adam and Eve.
Giving his fatherly blessings, the Agwam Fantswam II, Dr. Josiah Kantiok, thanked Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and Global Peace Women Nigeria for uplifting his subjects.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the resources given for their intended purposes.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council, Elder Dary Akau, described the intervention as timely, given the current economic challenges that have impoverished many people.
He encouraged the community to organize themselves into cooperative societies to easily benefit from government grants and support from other NGOs.
Also speaking, Mrs. Lois Joseph Hayab of Global Peace Women Nigeria emphasized the need for beneficiaries, especially women, to avoid running their businesses on credit to prevent financial setbacks.
She also urged them to amplify their voices against violence and contribute to building a peaceful society.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with journalists after the event thanked Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and Global Peace Women Nigeria for the support.
They pledged to apply the skills learned during the training to improve their financial status and contribute to societal development.
