Over 13,600 Individuals Benefit as JRS Nigeria Boosts Resilience in Adamawa, Borno

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, has announced that over 2,268 individuals have directly benefited, with an additional 11,340 indirectly impacted, through its various interventions across Adamawa and Borno States. This significant reach was highlighted by Reverend Father Temple Anuforo, the Country Director, during a project inception meeting for a new Basque Government-funded […]

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, has announced that over 2,268 individuals have directly benefited, with an additional 11,340 indirectly impacted, through its various interventions across Adamawa and Borno States.

This significant reach was highlighted by Reverend Father Temple Anuforo, the Country Director, during a project inception meeting for a new Basque Government-funded initiative at Mama Chare Hotel in Jimeta.

Reverend Father Anuforo underscored the profound impact these interventions have had on communities, while also introducing a new Leadership, Equality, and Resilience”project.

This twelve-month first phase, running from August 2024 to September 2025 , aims to empower communities in humanitarian contexts by fostering leadership and enhancing agricultural and entrepreneurial capacities.

Its objectives include promoting gender equality and improving access to education for conflict-affected individuals in both states.

The project is specifically being implemented in Girei, Michika, and Mubi North LGAs in Adamawa, and Askira-Uba and Biu LGs in Borno.

The Country Director commended the Adamawa State Government for its supportive environment and urged continued collaboration from both Adamawa and Borno State Governments to facilitate their work effectively.

Detailing specific achievements, Madam Tamana Usman, JRS Nigeria’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Yola, reported that 300 individuals, including community leaders, have received training, with a strong emphasis on increasing women’s participation in decision-making.

Notably, 300 women farmers completed comprehensive training in modern and sustainable agricultural practices and business skills through Farmer Field School (FFS) and Farmers Business School (FBS), leading to increased yields and diversified incomes.

Some have successfully launched small businesses, such as groundnut oil processing.

Educational support included renovating classrooms in five schools, providing learning materials to 750 pupils, and covering school levies for vulnerable children.

Ayodele Oluseyi, a JRS Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, presented achievements from the Basque project, including the formation of ten Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).

These groups were registered as cooperatives, enabling access to financial aid and low-interest loans, which beneficiaries invested in agricultural inputs to boost household incomes.

Additionally, 150 individuals received skills training in tailoring, bead-making, and soap production, along with start-up kits for new businesses, contributing to economic stability.

Innocent Emmanuel, JRS Yola’s Project Director, shared that the second phase of the project will focus on strengthening the resilience of displaced and host communities through economic, educational, and social empowerment. Furthering the agricultural initiatives, Mr. Salvation Godfrey, an agricultural extension agent, confirmed that approximately 60 farming groups were trained on improved planting techniques and seed management.

The inception meeting saw contributions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Education, Human Capital Development, Women Affairs and Social Development, the Agriculture/Food Security Sector, and the Catholic Diocese of Yola.