By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Against the backdrop of criticisms over his alleged poor representation, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, representing Niger-North senatorial district (zone C) has facilitated training and distributed starter packs to 177 beneficiaries of his skills acquisition programme.
Senator Bello's eight years as Governor witnessed more criticisms than commendations especially in the areas of infrastructural development and he was also accused of upholding policies that widened the gaps between the different tribes and religions in the state.
Senator Bello compared with his father, Col. Sani Bello (rtd), a former Military Administrator of old Kano state, critics argues that the junior Bello is exactly opposite of what his aged father, a philanthropist per excellence whose sustained annual free medical festival to mark his birthdays have put smiles on the faces of Nigerians who cannot afford quality medical care irrespective of tribe, religion or regional divides is.
Other sins that has made Senator Bello less popular among his colleagues and former Governors of Niger state, they observed is his alleged promotion of religious discrimination that almost set the state on fire and his gender biases in appointments during his years in office as Governor.
Meanwhile, Senator Bello has distributed Starter Packs to 177 constituents from the eight Local Government Areas, including women and youths after undergoing his sponsored skills acquisition programme in Kontagora on Monday, saying the initiatives is to economically empower the beneficiaries to be self-reliant and to enable them contribute to the development of their families and the state.
As a former Governor of Niger state, Senator Bello said, “The gesture is part of broader strategy to foster financial independence and sustainable development across Zone C as the beneficiaries were trained in different skills including; tailoring, hairdressing, carpentry, painting and catering services".
The empowerment is a testament to his resolve to uplift the living standards of the people in Zone C, adding that, "They are not isolated efforts but part of a sustainable development framework that aligns with federal government policies to bridge infrastructural gaps between leaders and the led for even economic growth and development”.
Responding on behalf of all the beneficiaries, Mr. Mohammed Yusuf expressed gratitude to the lawmaker for his efforts and pledged to make proper use of the items to improve on his living condition and that of family members. NNL.
