• February 26, 2026 By Publication
  • Time to read 1 minute
WOFAN

Smiles, relief, and heartfelt prayers filled the air as beneficiaries of the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN)–Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) SIBLING Initiative shared how a simple bag of rice made a powerful difference in their lives.

Through the Skills Improvement to Boost Livelihood and Nurture Growth (SIBLING) Project, a total of 2,617 beneficiaries—including junior staff, Registry Department staff, Security Division personnel, casual workers, and cleaners—received 560 bags of rice within the Bayero University, Kano community.

Launched on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Musa, fsi, the SIBLING Project goes beyond training and infrastructure. It puts people first, delivering timely support where it matters most.

For many beneficiaries, the intervention came at a critical moment.

“This support came at the right time, especially with Ramadan approaching,” said Zainab Umar, a junior staff member. “It has reduced the burden on my family in ways words can’t explain.”

Aisha Ismaila, a cleaner with one of the outsourced companies, admitted she was initially sceptical.

“I thought it was just talk,” she said. “But when we heard Dr Salamatu Garba speak during the launch and then received the rice, I realised this empowerment is real. This is help we can feel.”

A group of five female junior staff members and NASU members described the distribution as a lifeline, noting that it would significantly bridge food gaps in their households during the fasting period.

From neighbouring communities, Saratu Abubakar and Umma Sani could not hide their joy.

“We may not have big words,” they said, “but may Allah continue to bless Dr Salamatu Garba for remembering people like us.”

Beyond immediate relief, the SIBLING Initiative is structured for lasting impact. Designed as a two-year pilot programme, it aims to strengthen agribusiness training, promote climate-smart agriculture, support innovative student research, and deepen skills across key agribusiness value chains. At its core is a strong livelihood component targeting vulnerable groups, micro-agro marketers, and host communities within and outside the university.