KEBBI GOVERNOR’S WIFE TRAINS, EQUIPS 800 WOMEN AND YOUTHS FOR SELF-RELIANCE

The wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, has empowered 800 women and youths in Yauri Local Government Area with start-up tools after they completed a one-month vocational skills training programme.

The beneficiaries, drawn from the 10 political wards of Yauri, were trained in various skills, including shoemaking and bag production, cosmetology, catering, make-up and tailoring. The training was designed to equip participants with practical skills that could help them establish businesses and generate sustainable sources of income.

Speaking during the graduation and empowerment ceremony, Nafisa said the initiative was aimed at promoting self-reliance and reducing poverty among women and young people in the area.

She assured residents who were unable to participate in the first phase that another round of the empowerment programme would be organised. She also urged beneficiaries and other residents to continue supporting the administration of Governor Nasir Idris.

The governor’s wife expressed appreciation to her husband for his continued support and encouragement for her humanitarian and empowerment initiatives.

She also thanked the Emir of Yauri, Dr Zayyanu Abdullahi, the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida, and other stakeholders for supporting the programme.

Representing the governor at the event, Tafida commended Nafisa for the initiative, describing it as an intervention capable of improving the livelihoods of the beneficiaries and their families.

He also highlighted some development and security interventions in Yauri Emirate, including the deployment of military and mobile police personnel to strengthen security in the area.

The Coordinator of the NANAS Foundation, Aminu Attahiru Nassarawa, said the empowerment programme formed part of the foundation’s efforts to equip young people with practical skills and promote economic independence.

Nassarawa disclosed that the foundation was celebrating the graduation of 2,168 young men and women who had undergone vocational training across four local government areas in Kebbi State.

According to him, Yauri produced 800 graduates, while Gwandu had 502 beneficiaries, Bunza had 516 and Birnin Kebbi had 350.

He explained that each graduate would receive a starter pack to enable them to put the skills acquired during the training into practice and establish income-generating ventures.

Nassarawa urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the training and equipment provided to them, stressing that the objective was to help them become financially independent and contribute positively to their communities.

The empowerment programme is expected to create opportunities for self-employment while helping beneficiaries improve their household incomes and reduce dependence on others.

The initiative also forms part of broader efforts to tackle unemployment and poverty by providing women and youths with vocational skills and the resources required to turn those skills into sustainable businesses.