By Zainab Faruk
The Almuhibbah Foundation, under the leadership of the Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad, has once again demonstrated its commitment to empowering women and youth, addressing societal challenges, and fostering community development. During its Women and Youth Empowerment Program held in Bauchi, the foundation distributed start-up kits, conducted sensitization on drug abuse, and raised awareness on mental health.
Speaking at the event, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad highlighted the foundation’s mission to empower individuals, particularly women and youth, through education, agriculture, health initiatives, and skills acquisition. She noted that the foundation has supported over 20,000 beneficiaries to date and is now extending assistance to 720 women and youth across the state’s 20 local government areas.
The First Lady outlined the wide range of start-up items distributed, which included refrigerators, sewing machines, irrigation farming tools, grinding machines, deep freezers, and equipment for businesses like catering, popcorn making, soft drink production, and animal rearing. These tools aim to provide financial independence and hope to beneficiaries, reinforcing the foundation’s belief in small businesses as the backbone of the economy.
“We recognize that small businesses are vital to our economy, and it is our mission to ensure that young people and women have the resources and knowledge needed to succeed,” she said.
In addition to economic empowerment, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad stressed the need to address critical challenges like drug abuse and mental health. She highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on young people, citing causes such as peer pressure, unemployment, lack of education, and mental health issues. The foundation is committed to prevention through education, offering lectures and awareness programs to help the youth and women make healthier choices.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet, stigma and lack of awareness prevent many individuals from seeking help. We aim to promote mental well-being as part of our health initiatives, particularly for vulnerable youths and women,” she added.
The event also included the award of scholarships to 41 less-privileged students in tertiary institutions, totaling ₦11.7 million, further emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to education.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the initiative. Rahila Emmanuel, representing the Police Officers’ Wives, described the program as unprecedented, saying, “Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad is the only First Lady in the history of Bauchi doing something this significant. We are deeply thankful and urge her to continue.”
Hajiya Laraba from Misau LGA, a recipient of several items, also praised the First Lady’s efforts. She urged fellow beneficiaries to utilize the tools effectively to achieve self-reliance.
In conclusion, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Muhammad thanked partners, including PHI, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), UNFPA, and individual contributors, for their support. She called for collective efforts to create a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.
The Almuhibbah Foundation’s initiative not only empowers individuals economically but also addresses the deeper societal challenges hindering personal growth, making it a beacon of hope and change in Bauchi State.