General News
Sen. Zam empowers 900 constituents with livelihood equipment in Benue
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Over 900 constituents of Benue North-West Senatorial District have benefited from an economic empowerment programme facilitated by their representative in the Senate, Senator Titus Zam.
The programme, organised as part of his constituency projects, featured the distribution of 180 motorcycles, 320 sewing machines, 300 grinding machines, 60 power hand tillers and 40 car-wash pumping machines to promote entrepreneurship, job creation and economic self-reliance.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Friday, Zam reaffirmed his commitment to economic empowerment, education, agriculture and infrastructure development in the senatorial district and the state at large.
He disclosed that the programme was the sixth edition of his empowerment initiative and highlighted previous interventions, including scholarships for 350 indigent tertiary students, fertiliser distribution, support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the construction of schools, clinics, roads and boreholes.
The senator commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) and appreciated the commission’s leadership for supporting the empowerment programme.
He also thanked the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for appointing him as the pioneer Chairman of the Senate Committee on NCDC, while acknowledging the support of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NCDC, Cosmas Akighir, said the commission remained committed to improving livelihoods through economic empowerment, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure development, agriculture, education, vocational training and programmes targeting youths and women.
Akighir urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the equipment and ensure that the benefits extended to their families and communities.
Former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Emmanuel Jime, commended Zam’s performance, expressing the hope that he would secure a second term to enable him to deploy the experience gained during his first tenure to deliver more effective representation.
Jime also urged the beneficiaries to mobilise support for the senator’s re-election in 2027.
Similarly, a former member of the House of Representatives, John Dyegh, expressed confidence in Zam’s re-election prospects, citing the anticipated support of political leaders and voters in Gboko and other parts of the senatorial district.
He described the empowerment programme as an investment in economic independence and grassroots development.
The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Mr Ahee Akwaya, said the committee held several meetings to ensure effective planning, orderly distribution and transparency throughout the exercise.
Akwaya commended Zam for his contributions to the welfare of his constituents, describing the equipment as practical tools for sustainable livelihoods and community development.