By Blessing Odega
A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr Dickson Chollom (APC/Barkin Ladi), has empowered more than 1,300 constituents in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) through scholarships and agricultural support.
Speaking on Monday during the distribution exercise in Barkin Ladi, Chollom said the initiative, the first phase of his constituency outreach, focused on education, agriculture, and social welfare for widows.
He emphasised that beneficiaries were selected from all districts, religious backgrounds, and political affiliations.
Highlighting the importance of education as a tool for transformation, the lawmaker disclosed that 200 students in tertiary institutions across the country received financial support ranging from N20,000 to N50,000 each.
In an effort to boost food security, Chollom also distributed more than 1,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers across his constituency.
Addressing the challenges faced by women in the area due to persistent attacks, Chollom noted that many had been left widowed and vulnerable.
As part of his intervention, he provided cash and food items to 100 widows.
“A lot of women have been made widows and are finding life difficult; this intervention is to give them a sense of belonging,” he said.
He also highlighted some of his ongoing constituency projects, including the renovation of schools, construction of bridges and culverts, and provision of boreholes.
In his remarks, the Plateau State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rufus Bature, commended Chollom’s efforts, describing them as life-changing interventions.
He encouraged the lawmaker to continue promoting unity and development.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed gratitude for the support.
Mr Dung Daweng, a student, said the scholarship would ease the financial burden on students’ parents and would help them focus better on their studies.
Similarly, Elizabeth Chung, a widow, thanked the lawmaker for bringing relief and hope to widows in the community. NAN
