Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Friday in Abuja inaugurated 'Families In Difficulty Circumstances Support Scheme (FIDSS)', aimed at alleviating poverty in the society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scheme is put in place by a Muslim organisation, Jama’atu Izalatil Bida’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS).
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Speaking at the event, Sambo commended the organisation for its efforts at complementing the Federal Government’s determination to eradicate poverty and enhance peace and national unity in the country.
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He said that the government would partner with the organisation to ensure that poverty was eradicated from the country and ensure peaceful co-existence in the country.
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“As you are poised to contributing your own quota to national development, government is assuring you of its full support and cooperation at all times in the realisation of your stated goals and objectives.?
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“Your well-designed social safety net programme intended to address positively poverty-related issues tagged: the Families in Difficult Circumstances Support Scheme (FIDSS), is not only a commendable initiative, but also an attempt to complement government efforts in that direction.”?
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The vice president said the government was employing various strategies to deal with poverty and enhance the living standard of the citizens.
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He identified improving power supply, boosting safe transportation, encouraging agriculture, and promoting education, with particular focus on the Almajiri Education System, as well as women and youth empowerment as some of the projects being prioritised.
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He gave an assurance that the government was working hard to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians through the provision of adequate security in the country.
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“I must seize this singular opportunity to call on all citizens of our dear country to pray and contribute our quotas for peace and development of our nation.”?
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a National Seminar on Islam, Peace and Development was held as part of the activities for the inauguration of the support scheme.
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?In his remark at the event, the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, said that the seminar was aimed at charting a new course for economic empowerment of Muslims through the FIDSS initiative.
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He said the objectives of the initiative were to provide direct intervention in the areas of healthcare, education, working capital and agriculture among several others.
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While commending government’s efforts at tackling the security challenges and the Almajiri syndrome, Lau appealed to government to partner with the organisation to realise its noble objectives.
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The 2-day event will see distinguished personalities and scholars such as Prof Awalu Yadudu, Prof Aminu Gurun, and Sheikh Hussain Zakariyya, among others presenting lectures.
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Present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari; Senators Danjuma Goje and Ahmed Sani; Gen A. B. Mamman (retd); former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and other notable dignitaries. (NAN)