The founder HalimaFactor Community Initiative, Halima Usman has said the public presentation of her seven books Mallam Sidi, Fauziya Saves The Day, Mr Cockroach, The Big Aquarium, Emeka The Farmer, Kola & Lola and Against The Odds is an opportunity to up the ante of her humanitarian gesture especially in ensuring that children from less privileged homes are educated.
According to Usman who is also the chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA Abuja chapter, her target is to reach out to as many rural children as possible to present them with opportunity to share in the rich knowledge the books, largely designed for them offer.
Speaking on Tuesday at the book presentation in Abuja, Usman said apart from distribution of the books, the scholarship scheme of the Initiative which at the moment has in its enrollment about 30 primary and secondary school pupils in Gombe and FCT as well as students in various higher institutions across the country will be expanded to accommodate more beneficiaries.
“One of the things I’m concerned about is how to get these books across to many children, particularly children from less privileged families in the rural communities. This may be the only story book they will have access to in a long time.
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“If you look at their quality, you will know it’s a painstaking work that took a lot of time and commitment. I have children in mind and that is the whole essence of the book launch.
“We want people to sponsor this book so that we can produce more copies and send to rural areas. The intention is for people to choose any locality of their choice and the number of books they want for the children there.
“At the end of the day, you will realize that whatever we make from the book launch will be directly or indirect channelled to any of our non-profit ventures” she said.
Usman who is S.A Special Duties in office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Resources further reiterated her commitment to ensure that empowerment scheme for women and youths through her HalimaFactor Community Initiative receive a boost especially at this moment of economic difficulties affecting many homes across the country.
She expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva who was at the event represented by Mr. Garbadeen Mohammed as well as the Permanent Secretary, Bitrus Bako Nabasu who was the chief host and all staff of the Ministry for their encouragement in making the dream a reality.
Minister of Women Affairs, Paulin Tallen who was mother of the day commended the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nabasu for his support for women development in the country.
Describing him as a true ‘he for she’ the Minister applauded the Permanent Secretary’s effort in painstakingly sending out invitations to guests and ensuring they grace the event.
Tallen also thanked Gombe state governor, Inuwa Yahaya who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau for being at the forefront in supporting the growth and development of women.
The deputy governor of Gombe, Dr. Jatau commended the author, Halima Usman for several efforts in giving women and children a voice in the society.
He also commended her for being supportive in raising the standard of education in her home state Gombe through her annual Gombe Day of Literature.
Dr. Jatau expressed readiness of the state government in continuing to partner Usman in shaping the future of Gombe children.
Director General National Orientation Agency, Garba Abari said the Agency as a partner with HalimaFactor Community Initiative is happy to be associated with Usman’s vision for young people, particularly her annual Gombe Day of Literature.
According to Abari, the Agency under his leadership will continue to occupy a lead position in expanding the frontiers of knowledge which is very cardinal to HalimaFactor Community Initiative.
