Nigeria-WAY Project Sets Up Sustainability Structure for its Intervention

By Bashir Hassan Abubakar

In its sustainability plan on gains achieved so far under the Global Affairs Canada (GAC) funded intervention tagged ‘Nigeria-WAY Project’ in Bauchi State, implementing partners, Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) have commenced the setting up of structures known as Empowerment Learning Centres (ELCs) in the 7 LGs of Bauchi State. 

In a well attended ceremony heralding the launch of the ELC in Dass LGA of Bauchi State on Friday 11th November, 2022, MEDA Nigeria WAY Project State programme manager Grace Forseng said that under its 6th fiscal year plan, the ELCs are expected to be established as part of the sustainability strategy of the MEDA Project. 

Forseng, who described the ELC as a community based mobile centre, said “ it is a place where MEDA WAY clients and others can exchange ideas, concepts, and learnings with members of the community.”

She further said, “the ELC is aimed at spreading MEDA’s intervention and impact across communities for consolidation and sustainability of past engagements.” 

The programme manager said that when fully functional, the ELC structures will provide avenues for peer support and learnings within the LGAs and will also serve  as a hub for exchange of ideas and knowledge between trained champions and other stakeholders in the community, stressing that, “ELC aim at having a one stop shop that provides support for all MEDA’s project interventions within an LGA.” 

Also speaking, the Emir of Dass Usman Bilyaminu Uthman commended Global Affairs Canada and MEDA for their consistency towards ensuring sustainability of what they have started, assuring that the Emirate will also reciprocate the gesture by creating the enabling environment for the ELC to thrive. 

Represented by the Madakin Dass, Alhaji Dauda Ibrahim, the Emir also implore the pioneer leaders of the ELC in the LG to consolidate on gains of the project by demonstrating dedication, hard work, transparency and stepping down business knowledge to prospective community clients. 

There were testimonies of beneficiaries of MEDA’s intervention in the LGA, where they shared their experiences before and after MEDA’s intervention. They also showered encomiums on Global Affairs Canada and MEDA for transforming their lives through exposing them to business opportunities within their immediate communities. 

Highlights of the ELC launch was the official unveiling of the personnel that would be running the activities of centre amidst fanfare from traditional dancers of the LG. 

Our correspondent reports that MEDA and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) are working together to support women and youth-run businesses in the processing sector and food industry in 7 LGAs of Bauchi State. The project works in three main value chains of rice, groundnut, and soybean.