Yendi (N/R), Oct. 31, GNA - The Yendi District Assembly has disbursed 100 million cedis from its HIPC Fund to 200 women engaged in petty trading as part of efforts to alleviate poverty in the district. The facility, which attracts a 12.5 percent interest, is to be repaid within one year.

The beneficiaries are from 14 communities in the district including, the Yendi township, Gbingbaliga, Gnani, Bonbonayili, Jimle, Kpabiya and Gukpeigu.

Announcing this during the presentation of cheques to the women at Yendi, Mr Mohammed Habib Tijani, the District Chief Executive, told the beneficiaries that the facility was not a gift but a loan from the HIPC Fund to help reduce poverty among the people and that it must be repaid. "The loan should assist you to be able to generate more funds to cater for your needs and those of your children, especially their education," he added.

Mr Tijani noted that poverty and ignorance had played a major role in the spate of conflicts in the Northern Region, especially, Dagbon, and said: "We need to fight these evils relentlessly if we are to enjoy peace and tranquillity in our area".

Madam Fati Kpala and Hajia Lauru, a beneficiary, thanked the Assembly for the assistance and gave the assurance that they would not default in the repayment of the loans.