Gombe, Nigeria – In a significant boost for grassroots entrepreneurship, the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation has empowered 100 women across Gombe State with N50,000 business grants each, totaling N5 million in direct funding. The initiative, launched Sunday at Gombe International Hotel, targets women micro-entrepreneurs in all 11 local government areas of the state.
Key Details of the Empowerment Drive
Financial Injection: N50,000 seed capital per beneficiary
Statewide Reach: Women selected from all LGAs
Sustainable Model: Grants structured as “seed money” for business startups/expansion
Engr. Aliyu Mohammed Kombat (Founder, represented by Adamu Aliyu Ibrahim):
“This is more than cash—it’s a catalyst for self-reliance. We’ve strategically chosen women with viable business plans to ensure multiplier effects in their communities.”
Impact Stories from Beneficiaries
Salamatu Sa’ad (Akko LGA):
“My grain processing business can now afford a motorized grinder instead of manual labor.”
Aishatu Aliyu (Gombe LGA):
“This grant lets me triple my snack production and supply to schools.”
Foundation’s Roadmap
Phase 2: Youth empowerment program in development
Monitoring: Tracking business growth metrics among beneficiaries
Malam Safiyanu (Foundation Secretary):
“Today’s women beneficiaries are our pilot group. The coming youth initiative will adopt similar tailored approaches.”
Why This Matters
Economic Ripple Effect: N5 million injection could generate ~N25 million in local commerce annually
Gender Lens: Targets women who reinvest 90% of income in families (World Bank data)
Model for Others: Demonstrates how private initiatives can complement government poverty-alleviation programs
