Taraba Facts

EMPOWERMENT OR DISTRIBUTION OF POLITICAL FAVOURS? Let me start by acknowledging that philanthropy is commendable. If Ambassador Yahaya Seriki has committed billions of naira to supporting people in Kwara, that deserves recognition. But generosity and empowerment are not necessarily the same thing. My concern with the ARCA Santa empowerment programme is simple: When did distributing vehicles become synonymous with economic empowerment? A vehicle is an asset, yes, but it is also a liability. Fuel, maintenance, repairs and other operational costs come with ownership. For someone with an established transport business, it could be a productive investment. For someone without the capacity to operate it, it could become an expensive burden. I support distributing sewing machines to skilled tailors who lack the equipment to grow their businesses. But even here, questions arise about beneficiary selection. I personally know someone who received a sewing/embroidery machine but isn't a tailor. His immediate concern was where he could sell it. That tells us something important. An empowerment item is only useful when it matches the recipient's skill, capacity and economic needs. How were beneficiaries screened? What criteria determined who qualified? Were their businesses and vocational abilities verified? And perhaps more importantly, were the most economically vulnerable people prioritised, or did political loyalty and proximity play a role? I am not making a blanket allegation, but the selection process should be transparent enough to answer such questions. I would rather see struggling artisans receive appropriate equipment, start-up capital, business training and follow-up support than have an impressive distribution ceremony whose long-term impact remains uncertain. I am not dismissing the generosity or suggesting that nobody deserves the gifts. I am questioning the model. Empowerment should not be measured by the number of vehicles distributed, machines displayed or billions announced. It should be measured by how many people become economically independent after the ceremony. A gift can make someone smile today. Sustainable empowerment can change an entire family's economic future. There is a difference. — Tope Jaji