By Izhi Bitrus Adamu
Former federal lawmaker, Hon. Dr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, has urged Plateau communities to initiate people-oriented projects that improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups.
Kwande made the call on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, during a courtesy visit to his office at the Plateau Football Association Secretariat, Rwang-Pam Township Stadium, Jos the Plateau State Capital.
The Tafidan Irigwe and Chairman of the Plateau Football Association spoke while receiving Mrs. Jennifer Bitrus Rugu, Tinti Mbru and Mrs. Irigwe 2026, alongside members of the Women Wing of the Irigwe Development Association, IDA.
The delegation visited Kwande to seek support for the Widows Poultry Empowerment Project, an initiative aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods for widows affected by years of insecurity in Irigwe communities.
Kwande, a former member representing Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency, described the initiative as timely and complementary to the Plateau State Government’s efforts to support vulnerable people and promote self-reliance.
“This is a human-oriented project. It is about people, about widows, about children and about rebuilding lives. Mrs. Jennifer has shown during her reign as the Irigwe women queen that true leadership is service,” he said.
He commended the state government for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable groups, stressing that community-driven initiatives were necessary to consolidate government interventions at the grassroots.
“We commend the Governor for placing the welfare of the vulnerable at the centre of governance. This project complements that vision, and I urge all well-meaning citizens to support it. I’ll give my support to ensure the success of the project,” Kwande said.
According to him, sustainable development requires collaboration among traditional institutions, community leaders and government to create opportunities for people most affected by violent conflicts.
He added that economically empowering women remains one of the most effective ways of restoring dignity, strengthening families and rebuilding stability in conflict-affected communities.
Presenting the project’s concept note, Mrs. Rugu said the initiative was designed to raise broiler birds for distribution to selected widows across Irigwe communities as a sustainable source of livelihood.
She explained that the project was conceived in response to the economic hardship confronting women who lost their husbands to years of violent attacks and insecurity in Irigwe land.
Rugu said the Irigwe Nation had suffered persistent attacks for the past 26 years, resulting in deaths, displacement and widespread hardship among affected families.
According to her, available records indicate that 538 women have been widowed by the violence and are caring for nearly 2,000 children, with many families battling poverty, trauma and food insecurity.
“Our goal is to economically empower selected Irigwe widows through poultry production in order to improve household income, strengthen food security and build resilience for women and their children,” she said.
She appealed to individuals, corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations, churches, community associations and government agencies to support the initiative through financial donations, feed sponsorship, vaccines, equipment and technical assistance.
On the project’s sustainability, Rugu said beneficiaries would be trained in poultry management, while proceeds from sales would be reinvested in subsequent production cycles to expand the initiative to more widows.
Responding, Kwande pledged continued support for initiatives promoting peacebuilding and economic recovery in Irigwe land.
“When our women lead with compassion, communities heal faster. I fully identify with this project,” he added.
The initiative, with the tagline, “Empowering widows, nurturing children, rebuilding communities,” seeks to provide affected women with sustainable income opportunities while strengthening the welfare of their children.
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