Hon. Daniel Asama, the representative for Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s 10th House of Representatives under the Labour Party, has launched a significant empowerment initiative for his constituents. Today Monday 4th November 2024, at an event in Gada Biyu, Jos, Asama distributed 300 sewing machines and grinding machines to beneficiaries as part of a business start-up scheme aimed at enhancing household incomes and fostering economic growth.
During the presentation, Hon. Asama underscored his commitment to human capital development, a promise he made during his election campaign. “Since becoming a member of the House of Representatives, I have focused on working closely with my people. Today’s distribution is part of our empowerment programs designed to impact families and foster self-sufficiency,” he stated. The beneficiaries, numbering 240 individuals, were carefully selected to ensure the initiative reached as many families as possible.
Asama also highlighted his efforts in the agricultural sector, recalling a previous collaboration with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Commission. This project provided 24 hectares of farmland for local farmers, complete with financial support for seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals. The program, designed to streamline production and sales, ensured that participants had guaranteed markets for their produce.
Looking ahead, Hon. Asama expressed plans to include more agricultural support in the 2025 budget, particularly through the provision of solar-powered pumping machines for dry season irrigation. He noted that Plateau State’s northern region is known for producing unique cash crops and vegetables, which thrive best during the dry season. “I’m working to include these initiatives in the budget, and we’ve already distributed fertilizer with plans for more in the coming months,” he added.
When asked about the costs of the current empowerment initiative, Hon. Asama estimated an investment of approximately ₦200 million.
Addressing his role in the House of Representatives, Hon. Asama highlighted his legislative achievements, noting that he has proposed 12 bills, with hopes of passing at least three to five by the next year. Despite the challenges he faced, including six months of legal battles that limited his initial tenure, Asama has actively participated in 12 committees, including Power, Communications, and Public Accounts, to ensure impactful representation for his constituency.
He also spoke on collaborative governance, emphasizing that legislators must work with government agencies to implement projects. “We do not execute projects directly but work with MDAs and relevant bodies to make them happen,” he explained.
Hon. Asama urged constituents to remain hopeful despite current economic challenges. He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for initiatives such as the student loan program and reiterated that fixing the nation’s long-standing issues would take time. “We must value our country and remain patient. There is no overnight solution, but we are on the path to progress,” he said. Asama also lauded Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for fostering collaboration across party lines, enhancing unity for the benefit of the state.
“We may come from different parties, but when we represent Plateau State at the National Assembly, we act as one. This collective effort is key to our success and the development of our state,” Asama concluded.
