Report by AMINU DALHATU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Zamfara State Government has invested over N1.3 billion in training 1,600 youths in various skills and rehabilitating skills acquisition centres across seven local government areas of the state.
The State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal disclosed this during the official launch of the training programme at the Skills Acquisition Centre, Gidan Dawa in Gusau, the state capital.
The Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) is a Nigerian government initiative aimed at providing financial inclusion and empowerment for petty traders, artisans, and other micro-enterprises to support the state’s economic development and reduce poverty.
Governor Dauda Lawal explained that, the over 620 million was allocated for the skills acquisition programme under the Government Enterprises and Empowerment Program (GEEP), stressing that, the funds cover training allowances, equipment, materials, and monthly stipends for the beneficiaries, both youths and women.
Dr. Lawal further revealed that 500 million naira was spent on the renovation and equipping of the dilapidated Gidan Dawa Skills Acquisition Centre, which he officially inaugurated.
According to him, more than 220 million was used for the renovation of six other skills acquisition centres of the state.
The beneficiaries of the training are from Anka, Gusau, Gumi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Talata Mafara, and Tsafe Local governments.
The governor noted that the primary objective of the programme was to empower youths, particularly women and vulnerable individuals by equipping them with practical skills that will enhance their economic self-sufficiency and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of Zamfara State.
He added that the broader goal of the initiative was to empower 45,000 youths nationwide by the end of 2027, in a bid to foster a generation of self-reliant young Nigerians.
Dr Dauda Lawal maintained that, at the end of the three-month training programme, each participant will receive a starter pack in their area of specialization to help them establish their own businesses.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Malam Mummuni, urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and fully engage in learning the necessary skills to improve their lives.
Earlier, the Coordinator of Government Enterprises and Empowerment Program (GEEP) in Zamfara State, Hajiya Sadiya Bello, described the event as a significant milestone in the administration’s rescue mission for Zamfara State.
“Empowering the youth is the surest way to build a prosperous society. This programme, initiated by His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, aims to provide the necessary skills and capital for our youths to engage in meaningful ventures,” she stated.
She explained that trainees would receive practical instruction in various trades including tailoring and fashion design, hairdressing and barbing, carpentry, plumbing, electrical installation, welding and fabrication, auto mechanics, and computer literacy, among others.
Hajiya Sadiya also appealed to the governor to consider the renovation of the vandalized female training centre, similar to the recently refurbished male centre at Gidan Dawa.
“Both facilities were vandalized at the same time. Renovating the female centre will allow us to provide separate training facilities for women in accordance with our religious and cultural values,” she said.
She assured that experienced facilitators have been assembled to lead the training sessions and urged participants to make the most of the opportunity.
“Your commitment to acquiring new skills will be a major step toward achieving your personal and professional goals,” she encouraged.
In conclusion, Hajiya Sadiya extended heartfelt gratitude to Governor Lawal for his unwavering support and pledged that her team would work diligently to deliver the programme’s goals.
