TheCable

Illmi Children’s Fund (ICF), a non-profit organisation, has empowered a Fulani community in the Katampe Ruga area of the federal capital territory (FCT) with dairy production techniques.

The organisation is focused on closing the gap in access to education and entrepreneurship by empowering communities through policy advocacy.

In a statement on Thursday, the ICF, through its Ambassador’s Special Self Help (ASSH) project, empowered the community to improve milk production and the livelihood of residents.

The project is funded by the U.S. mission in Nigeria.

The residents of the Ruga community were trained in modern milk production techniques, livestock feed production and animal health training, financial literacy, and business management

 Christine Harbaugh, acting deputy chief of mission and counsellor for economic affairs at the U.S Mission in Nigeria, said the project started in Togo.

“The Self-Help program started in 1964 in Togo and quickly spread across our missions in Africa as a grassroots assistance program that allows American Embassies to respond quickly to local requests for small, community-based development projects,” Harbaugh said.

“The program is unique and allows our embassy to support communities directly and see tangible results within a short period as we are witnessing here.

“I applaud ICF on its efforts to cooperate with your community to improve your people’s livelihoods and preserve your traditions and culture.”

Also speaking, Ibrahim Sharada, executive secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, said it is important to bring basic education to Rugga communities across the country.

He said the government is interested in the welfare of the Ruga people and would not relent in implementing policies that will positively impact their lives.

Sharada expressed appreciation to the US Mission in Nigeria for their support and the ICF team for their hard work in the community.

Dignitaries at the closing event of the project included John Edeh, director of literacy, National Commission for Adult Literacy and Non-formal Education (NMEC), and Ahmed Ismaila, FCT Liason officer, National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE).