Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, member representing Rano, Kibiya and Bunkure Federal Constituency in Kano State, has disbursed ₦33 million to women and postgraduate students in his constituency.
Kano Times reports that the lawmaker, who is also the Turakin Rano, gave out grinding machines and ₦80,000 cash to 300 women and awarded scholarships to 72 postgraduate students.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Rurum said the initiative was designed to cushion hardship and promote education in the constituency.
“This empowerment programme is aimed at giving our mothers and sisters a means of livelihood, especially in these challenging times.
“In addition, we are investing in the future of our young people by supporting them to pursue higher education. Education remains the key to sustainable development,” he said through his aide, Alhaji Dauda Bala Rano.
Kano Times reports that the 300 women collectively received grinding machines and cash totalling ₦24 million, while ₦9 million was disbursed to postgraduate students.
Each PhD student received ₦200,000, while Master’s students received ₦100,000.
Some beneficiaries described the intervention as timely and impactful.
“With this machine and the money we received, many women can start small businesses to sustain their families and support their children’s education,” said Hajiya Amina Abubakar Bunkure, Deputy APC Chairperson for Kano South.
Abdulbaki Hadi Usman, a PhD candidate and President of the Association of Postgraduate Students from the constituency, expressed appreciation on behalf of the students.
“On behalf of all postgraduate students (Master’s and PhD) from Rano-Kibiya-Bunkure, I sincerely extend our profound gratitude to the Right Honorable Kabiru Alhassan Rurum for his generous scholarship support.
“This remarkable gesture demonstrates his commitment to educational advancement in our community,” he said.
Rurum, a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, assured that more initiatives targeting women, youth and education would be unveiled in the coming months.