Rasheeda Yahaya
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has said Nigeria is making progress on security due to the bold steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the resilience of the Armed Forces and the people.
Speaker Abbas said this on Sunday at the Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme and distribution of empowerment items in Zaria, Kaduna State.
While noting that empowerment is a pillar of national security, the Speaker explained that when communities are strong, criminals lose ground.
“When farmers have the tools they need, production rises. When young people have livelihoods, they turn away from violence. When women gain financial strength, families become stable. Today’s distribution is part of our answer to a national challenge. It is our local contribution to the wider effort to secure this country,” he said.
The two-day empowerment series began on Saturday with the groundbreaking of major legacy projects that will transform learning.
On Sunday, items distributed to farmers, entrepreneurs, artisans, and communities include 50 tractors, 92 combine threshers, 4,000 solar-powered water pumping machines, 1,920 grinding machines, 450 petrol-water pumping machines, 1,500 fertiliser applicators, 1,500 knapsack sprayers, 1,700 deep freezers, and 1,400 industrial sewing machines.
Another 25 SUVs were donated to traditional leaders.
The Speaker said the government will continue “placing tools directly in our people’s hands,” adding that “empowerment is most meaningful when it reaches families.” He stressed that empowerment is most meaningful when it strengthens livelihoods and builds resilience from the ground up.
He said: “This two-day programme is part of our commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It is a continuation of the vision to build prosperity from the bottom upward. It is aligned with our work in the House of Representatives. It reflects our belief that every community deserves visible development. Practical development. Development that improves daily life.
“Our nation still faces serious security challenges. Many communities across the North continue to confront threats. Farmers have been attacked. Traders have suffered losses. Families have endured hardship. Yet progress is being made. This progress stems from the bold actions of President Tinubu, the courage of our security forces, and the resilience of our people.”
Speaker Abbas explained that the traditional leaders were recognised for being the custodians of culture and first responders in times of conflict. “They mediate disputes. They calm tensions. They safeguard the unity of our communities. These vehicles will enhance their mobility. They will strengthen their roles. They will help them reach communities more quickly. They will support their vital work in peacebuilding and conflict prevention,” he said.
The Speaker stated that the items represent a philosophy of development that places people at the centre. He added that they reflect the belief that economic growth must start at the household level, stressing that they show commitment to grassroots prosperity. “When we empower the family, we empower the community. When the community grows, the nation becomes stronger,” he said.
As the lawmaker representing Zaria Federal Constituency, Speaker Abbas emphasised that his work is part of a long-term vision.
He said while there was investment in education and skills on Saturday, he invested in livelihoods and empowerment on Sunday.
The Speaker said: “It is a complete strategy. It is a plan that addresses the needs of youth. It supports women. It strengthens farmers. It uplifts traditional leaders. It expands opportunities for traders. It touches every sector of our community.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about opening doors. It is about rebuilding trust. It is about restoring confidence. It is about showing that the government can deliver. It is about ensuring that every Nigerian feels seen and supported. What we are doing today is an expression of that national vision in our local community.”
He added: “We must remain united. We must remain calm. We must remain confident. We must stay resilient. Challenges will come, but we will overcome them together. The people of Zaria have always been strong. You have always been peaceful. You have always been patient. You have always been hardworking. These qualities will always carry us forward.
“We will continue to attract federal projects to Zaria. We will continue to attract investments. We will continue to support our farmers and our industries. We will continue to improve roads and schools. We will continue to empower our people. We will continue to defend the interests of this constituency in the National Assembly. We will continue to work with the President for the progress of our country.”
