Poverty has existed for as long as humanity has, affecting communities and individuals worldwide. The socioeconomic challenge is as old as society itself, but what’s critical today is the bold and continuous efforts being made to tackle this widespread malaise. Governments at all levels, wealthy individuals, and organizations have long worked towards alleviating poverty, and one such notable group is RURCON, the Rural Development Counsellors for Christian Churches in Nigeria.
By Bashir Rabe Mani
RURCON is an internationally recognized faith-based organization committed to improving the lives of the indigent citizens of Nigeria. For nearly six decades, the organization has remained dedicated to its mission, with a leadership team guided by deeply pious and committed individuals. At the helm is Mrs. Dinatu Ayinzat, the Executive Director, supported by Mrs. Florence Uwamhenmhen, the Director of Administration and Logistics, fondly known as ‘Mama RURCON.’
A landmark event took place on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, when RURCON made an extraordinary contribution to combat poverty in Kaduna State. On this day, the organization disbursed a generous N12.5 million in grants to 25 successful cooperative groups to support their economic activities. Each cooperative, consisting of 20 members, received N500,000. This grant represents just one tranche of a larger, ongoing effort by RURCON, which is scheduled to conclude in July 2025.
The beneficiaries were carefully selected from Makarfi, Soba, and Ikara LGAs in Kaduna State, and their smiles and gratitude were a clear reflection of how impactful RURCON’s work has been. Speaking at the event, Mrs. Dinatu Ayinzat emphasized that the gesture would help reduce poverty, and unemployment, and improve food security in the region. She explained that this initiative was supported by partners like *Bread for the World* (Germany) and was designed to reinforce the gains from previous training programs. These training sessions covered modern agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and the marketing of agricultural produce.
According to Mrs. Ayinzat, the grant was designed to provide sustainable support to the cooperative groups. She stressed that only registered groups with corporate bank accounts were eligible to receive the funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process. She also appealed to affluent Nigerians to assist their less privileged counterparts across the country, urging that wealth should be shared for the common good.
Additionally, Mrs. Ayinzat recalled that in October 2022, RURCON donated 40 water pumps to 20 cooperative groups in Makarfi and Soba LGAs to enhance food production and guarantee food security.
Mr. Iliya Meshach Njese, the acting Food Security Project Officer for RURCON, reiterated that the grant initiative was aimed at providing financial support to strengthen the agri-businesses of the targeted groups. He mentioned that each group had over 20 members, meaning the financial support would benefit approximately 500 individuals from rural communities across the three LGAs. Meshach Njese assured the beneficiaries that the money would be deposited into the cooperative accounts to ensure accountability, and he urged them to make judicious use of the funds. He also highlighted that routine monitoring and evaluation mechanisms would be in place to ensure the sustainability of the program.
Dr. Yusuf Shehu, from the Department of Soil Science at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, delivered a keynote address where he stated that the grants were not a “National cake” but a complement to government efforts in reducing poverty. He encouraged the leaders of the cooperative groups to ensure transparency and honesty in managing the funds.
Mr. Nuhu Yohanna, a beneficiary from Unguwar Danladi-Ricifa in Soba LGA, thanked RURCON for the initiative. On behalf of all beneficiaries, he commended RURCON for its training on modern agricultural practices, animal husbandry, and wet and dry-season farming, which have helped them thrive. He particularly praised the empowerment of youth and women groups and urged other NGOs to replicate RURCON’s model.
Mrs. Florence Uwamhenmhen, ‘Mama RURCON,’ also spoke, emphasizing fairness and justice in the distribution of the grants. She warned against greed and selfishness, reminding the beneficiaries that the funds were for the collective good and should not be misused.
In addition to its contributions to economic empowerment, RURCON has incorporated a conflict resolution component into its food security project. The goal is to foster peace and security in the region, which directly impacts food security. On October 29, 2024, beneficiaries from Makarfi LGA facilitated a peace-building meeting at Maigadi village, Makarfi, aimed at strengthening herder-farmer relationships and reducing ethno-religious conflicts. Mrs Ayinzat explained that insecurity had previously hindered the success of the food security project, but with the incorporation of conflict resolution, RURCON has helped build harmonious relationships between different groups.
She proudly shared that the project had brought together Muslims, Christians, farmers, and herders and that they were now working together for mutual benefit. She expressed joy at seeing diverse communities unite over shared goals and experiences.
Furthermore, RURCON plans to expand its healthcare initiatives in the state through partnerships with foreign donors. Clinics are being constructed in Lere and Zangon Kataf LGAs to improve healthcare access. Barrister Solomon Musa, a legal consultant from Ahmadu Bello University, stressed that RURCON’s approach was proactive in preventing crises, emphasizing the importance of teaching conflict resolution and peace-building to mitigate insecurity. Musa praised the initiative for its remarkable results in reducing violence and enhancing peace in the region.
Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim-Sabo, a resident of Maigadi in Makarfi LGA, reiterated that the RURCON initiative had strengthened the peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders in the area, thereby boosting their economic activities. Agriculture being the primary economic activity in the region, the community embraced the initiative, which has furthered ethno-religious harmony. Ibrahim-Sabo also mentioned that after RURCON’s involvement, both farmers and herders agreed to adopt Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to settle conflicts, which has led to a more cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship.
Similarly, Ibrahim Magaji, the Village Head of Maigadi, noted that many communities around the area had embraced the peace-building gesture, particularly the farmers and herders. He urged the government to replicate RURCON’s initiative across the state to help stem insecurity and promote peace.
In conclusion, RURCON’s work is making a significant impact in combatting poverty, creating economic opportunities, and fostering peaceful coexistence in Kaduna State. The organization’s efforts in addressing poverty and conflict, regardless of religious, ethnic, or cultural affiliations, are exemplary. RURCON’s work has not only empowered individuals but also contributed to the overall social stability and prosperity of the region.
Mani is a journalist based in Kaduna, Nigeria, West Africa.
