The chief of the Bissa people in Weija and Bortianor, Kir Suallah Saeed Sare, has officially launched the Sari Education and Business Empowerment (SEBE) project, a new community-based initiative aimed at providing educational scholarships and financial incentives to the Bissa people.
The flagship project was officially inaugurated during a ceremony at the Bissa Palace on November 12th, which also served as Chief Sare’s birthday party, two days after his actual birth date.
It was born out of the Chiefs dedication to philanthropic work, which has seen many individuals benefit from financial support across the academic, business, and health sectors.
In announcing the SEBE initiative, Chief Sare said he could not think of any better gift than empowering Bissa youth.
“We want to invest in the next generation through access to education and economic opportunities,” he told the crowded palace hall.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate my time on this earth than by uplifting my community.
“We want to financially equip the next generation of Bissa so they can build strong lives and careers right here in our communities.
“Supporting Bissa youth secures our collective future,” he told the enthusiastic crowd.”
The project will fund vocational and academic scholarships for qualified young Bissa, as well as seed funding for small businesses.
Chief Sari blew out candles on his birthday cake immediately after cutting the ribbon to launch the project.
The launch highlighted that the SEBE project will offer scholarships and seed funding for qualified youth to pursue vocational training, university education, and business ventures. Areas of study will include agriculture, construction trades, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and information technology.
The colourful ceremony attracted hundreds of people, including chiefs, religious leaders, and other public servants, such as the popular female police officer and musician Sa-ada Muhammed, known in public life as Hajia Police, who all hailed the thoughts that went through the creation of the project.
The event culminated in an energetic day-long party at the palace featuring music, dance, feasting, and drinking.
And it was a touch of class as the Zekula traits of Bissas were brought to bear to mark a day of merry and hope-giving.
Attendants cheered for the chief’s birthday and his show of generosity in funding Bissa advancement.
Since his instalment as the Bissa Chief of Bortianor, Weija in 2021, Kir Sari has dedicated his time and energy to the development of Bissa, a move that necessitated the establishment of the benevolent project.
He said some applicants have already started enjoying the benefits of the scholarship and small business grant, which he says plans are far ahead to expand it beyond the areas under his jurisdiction.