_By A. A. Mshelia_
In a remarkable display of grassroots leadership and sustainable development, the Rt. Honourable Muktar Betara Aliyu, OON, member representing Biu, Bayo, Shani, and Kwaya-Kusar Federal Constituency, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving the livelihoods of his constituents. This time, through a large-scale empowerment initiative targeting farmers, youths, and women across the constituency.
The empowerment program, fully sponsored by Hon. Betara, was implemented in collaboration with the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, New Bussa, and facilitated by implementing partners such as Tunade Global, Safe Choice Investment Limited, Harmony Global Multibusiness Limited, and Ritisem Africa Limited.
A total of 500 beneficiaries from the four local government areas of the constituency were trained in modern agricultural techniques and provided with certified farm inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, chemical sprayers, hand gloves, and protective boots to boost productivity and ensure safety. Each participant also received ₦120,000 from Hon. Betara to support their farming activities. Prior to receiving these materials, the beneficiaries underwent comprehensive training led by agricultural professionals, aimed at enhancing their skills and promoting best practices. This combination of financial support, practical tools, and knowledge transfer reflects Hon. Betaras long-term vision of sustainable empowerment through capacity building.
Beyond agriculture, the program also catered to the entrepreneurial aspirations of the youth and women in the constituency. In a generous display of support, hundreds of young people received financial grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦1 million each, either as business expansion funds or startup capital, by Honourable Betara. This aspect of empowerment is geared towards stimulating small and medium-scale enterprises, a key driver of economic resilience and job creation in rural communities.
This initiative is not an isolated gesture but rather a continuation of Rt. Hon. Betara’s well-documented legacy of empowerment and people-centered leadership. Over the years, he has consistently invested in programs that uplift the poor, support education, improve healthcare infrastructure, and promote economic self-reliance in his constituency.
The current agricultural and entrepreneurial empowerment initiative, led by Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu is notable for its well-timed and targeted strategy. By launching at the start of the planting season, it directly boosts grassroots food production and local economic activity. For women and youth, the program represents a significant opportunity, addressing issues like unemployment and rural-urban migration. Special emphasis on womens empowerment is particularly impactful, with ripple effects that enhance their overall livelihood.
During an interview session with media houses, Betara made it clear that, “This initiative is more than just support – it is about building capacity, restoring dignity, and creating lasting opportunities for my people. I understand that by investing in agriculture and entrepreneurship, especially among the youth and women in my constituency, I am laying the foundation for self-reliance and long-term prosperity. My commitment has always been practical and people-centered, and I will continue to ensure that every intervention I make brings real value to the lives of those I serve.
Hon. Betaras leadership continues to resonate through tangible results and empathetic leadership. His consistent commitment to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment has positively affected thousands in Biu, Bayo, Shani, and Kwaya-Kusar federal constituency. As one beneficiary, Mallan Abubakar Aliyu noted, “the support is transformative, not just helpful, but also laying the foundation for lasting improvement in livelihoods and leaving behind a legacy of visionary, human-centered leadership.”