By Sahel Reporters, Yola
The Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, has initiated an empowerment program for 150 internally displaced youth across selected internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and host communities within the state.
The official commencement of the distribution took place at the Catholic Secretariat in Jimeta.
Bishop Mamza articulated that these empowerment initiatives were launched by Mission Take Heart, with substantial support from the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of Yola Diocese. He noted that these youths had undergone various training programs for a duration of over one year. The Bishop expressed his gratitude for the mission’s unwavering support and collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Yola, urging the beneficiaries to utilise the provided materials judiciously for their intended purposes.
Furthermore, Bishop Mamza stated that JDPC, Yola Diocese, has established a monitoring and evaluation framework to oversee the beneficiaries’ progress. He encouraged them to refrain from selling the items, emphasising that the resources should be employed to foster self-sustainability for themselves and their families.
The Bishop disclosed that each of the 50 youths received an industrial sewing machine to facilitate fashion and tailoring businesses. Additionally, other beneficiaries were provided with livestock packages of goats for agricultural endeavours, poultry starter kits for poultry farming, and educational scholarships to support skills acquisition and vocational training. In total, 150 youths benefited from this comprehensive initiative.
Bishop Mamza underscored that the Take Heart Empowerment Program reflects the Catholic Diocese of Yola’s commitment to youth development and poverty alleviation through sustainable livelihood initiatives designed to create enduring income-generating opportunities.
He reiterated that this program aims to mitigate youth unemployment in Adamawa State, promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance, and assist vulnerable youth in acquiring marketable skills.
Two beneficiaries, Naomi Bitrus and Shahulu James, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Mission Take Heart, JDPC, Yola, and the Catholic Diocese for the support they received, noting that it has empowered them both spiritually and financially.
Sahel Reporters News
