Zamfara Councilor Distributes Charcoal, Pressing Irons as Empowerment Gifts

• A councillor in Gusau, Zamfara State, reportedly distributed charcoal and pressing irons to constituents as empowerment gifts.

The councillor representing Mayana Ward in Gusau, Abubakar Muhammad Tahir, has reportedly distributed bags of charcoal and locally made pressing irons to residents as part of what was described as an empowerment programme.

According to Nasarawa Daily News, the items were given to beneficiaries to help them start petty trading and small-scale ventures that rely on charcoal and charcoal irons. The outreach was said to specifically target constituents within Mayana Ward.

The development has sparked mixed reactions online, with some people defending the gesture as practical support for low-income residents, while others criticised it as inadequate and lacking long-term impact.

The initiative also adds to a pattern of similar empowerment programmes by public office holders across Nigeria. In May 2024, Rufai Hanga reportedly distributed thousands of white cloth materials and clay pots to constituents in Kano Central Senatorial District.

Earlier in March 2024, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh shared cooking stoves and other household items with residents in Abia State as part of an empowerment drive.

In other news….Peter Obi has once again voiced his concerns about governance in Nigeria, stating that the country’s major challenge stems from allowing corrupt individuals to manage public resources.

Speaking on leadership and economic management, the former presidential candidate argued that Nigeria continues to struggle because its wealth is placed in the hands of people who have not created value themselves.

“The only thing wrong with Nigeria is that we allow thieves to manage our resources, people who have not created wealth. You cannot hire a thief to look after your wealth, he will definitely steal it,” he said.

Peter Obi emphasized that sustainable development requires leaders with integrity, competence, and a track record of productivity.

According to him, entrusting national resources to individuals without proven experience in wealth creation or responsible management inevitably leads to misappropriation and economic stagnation.