Yobe State Government Empowers 200 Women in Charcoal Briquette Production
In a significant step towards post-conflict recovery, the Yobe State Government has trained 200 women from the internally displaced persons (IDP) returnee community of Buni Yadi in charcoal briquette production. The training, organized in clusters of 10 participants each, focused on utilizing locally sourced raw materials to create charcoal briquettes.
This initiative aligns with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s post-conflict recovery plan, which periodically supports returning IDPs with livelihood opportunities to enhance their resilience and aid their recovery process.
Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the one-week training aimed to build the resilience of returnee women in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area. The program sought to provide a sustainable source of income and promote environmental conservation through the production of charcoal briquettes using locally sourced materials.
While inaugurating the training, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) stated, “We are confident that this initiative will positively impact the lives of the participants, their families, and the environment. This effort is in line with Governor Buni’s post-conflict recovery plan.”
The Executive Secretary urged beneficiaries to sustain the skills acquired by transferring them to others and to utilize the upcoming Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) training to save money from the materials and sales they generate. He highlighted the market opportunities for selling the charcoal briquettes, noting that 98% of the materials are locally sourced and abundant, making the venture more profitable.
The lead facilitator encouraged the trainees to be dedicated and learn the entire process, emphasizing that all necessary resources are readily available locally and can be easily outsourced.
Dignitaries attending the inauguration included the Yobe State Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Coordinator, community leaders, and SEMA staff. The event took place at the Buni Yadi Skill Acquisition Centre.