Abubakar Muhammad Tahir, the councillor representing Mayana Ward in Gusau, has reportedly distributed bags of charcoal and locally made charcoal pressing irons to residents as part of an empowerment initiative.
According to reports by Nasarawa Daily News, the items were provided to help beneficiaries engage in petty trading and small-scale businesses that rely on charcoal and traditional pressing irons. The outreach was targeted at constituents within Mayana Ward.
The move adds to a growing list of similar grassroots empowerment efforts by public office holders across the country. In May 2024, Senator Rufai Hanga 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. In February 2022, a councillor in Sokoto State reportedly donated plastic mats to a community in Kebbe Local Government Area.
Reactions Trail Distribution
The initiative has sparked mixed reactions online.
@DanKatsina50 wrote:
“If it genuinely helps people meet daily needs, then empowerment is empowerment. But long-term development should also focus on sustainable jobs and infrastructure.”
@Dr_Benjr reacted:
“Charcoal and charcoal iron? 😧😳 Wickedness no reach like this ooo😭”
Meanwhile, @EzeChineduChri1 commented:
“Northern politicians don’t rate their people at all. The other day, one distributed shoemaker buckets and kits to children. Tomorrow they’ll tell them one person from the south who’s not a Muslim is their problem.”
The development has once again ignited debate about the nature of empowerment programmes in Nigeria and whether they address immediate needs or long-term economic growth.
