ANI Foundation inaugurates centre, empowers 450 women in Adamawa
From Kator Terseer,Jalingo
The Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation on Saturday empowered 450 women in Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State with livelihood support and commissioned a Women’s Centre to boost economic activities in communities surrounding the Gashaka Gumti National Park.
The intervention covering communities in the Gashaka/Gumti National Park which stretches from Taraba to Adamawa aims to promote community development through savings and loan groups, enabling women to access low-interest loans to start and expand their businesses.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni, said the project would foster economic resilience among women and contribute to the stability of pastoral communities.
Goni, represented by the Assistant Conservator-General, Dr Mohammed Kabir, described the partnership between ANI Foundation and the National Park Service as a catalyst for transformation in the area.
“As we speak, over 100,000 cattle have been vaccinated across the Gashaka and Gumti sectors of the park, safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of households,” Goni said.
Deputy Project Manager of ANI Foundation, David Peter, explained that the Foundation’s work focuses on promoting sustainable development through direct community engagement.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Roshan Renewables, Happy Amos, disclosed that the women’s savings and loan groups in Toungo had so far saved over N30 million with members accessing loans based on their needs.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent said the support had improved their lives significantly.
“My life has not remained the same since receiving support from ANI,” said Grace Emmanuel, a beneficiary.
Another woman, Florence Dauda, said, “The support has enabled us to access loans, produce, and sell products in our community and beyond.”
Our correspondent reports that the event was attended by traditional rulers, government officials, and community leaders, and featured a trade fair where the women showcased products made possible through the initiative.
