Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmad has appealed to the religious and traditional leaders to sensitise youths to take advantage of the various youth empowerment programs initiated by the federal government to improve their wellbeing.
She made the plea while speaking during Kaduna State Government’s Interface with religious leaders and 77 District heads from the 23 local government of area the State.
Hajiya Zainab Ahmad said President Muhammadu Buhari in September this year approved seventy five billion naira as a special fund for youths empowerment for three years, emphasising that, the loan is free interest and would be avail to the youths to repay in five years,
She noted that, each youth is entitled to amount ranging from N250,000 to N5 million, depending on the kind of business idea they have.
The Minister pointed out that, the meeting was part of efforts towards getting inputs on best ways to empower the youths in each State and also find solutions to ENDSARS protest in the country.
She however emphasised the need for the religious and traditional rulers to continue to play their role in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups.
Earlier, the Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammed Mahmud Abubakar called on the stakeholders to support government to discharge its duties by protecting lives and property as well as to create job opportunities.
Dr Mahmud urged youths to be self reliant by focusing on skills acquisition and not to be over dependent on government to get job.
Also Speaking, the Chairman of Nigerian Governors forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi said law and order is the critical component of Government” emphasising that Government would not accept negative behaviour by ravaging ware houses , attacking Government establishments, public and private property.
On his part, Sokoto State Governor, Dr Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated that dialogue remained the best option to addressing any dispute.
In her remark, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe said government convened the meeting to interface and share ideas with traditional and religious leaders to help in charting a course towards building a safer and prosperous State and nation.
Dr Hadiza Balarabe appealed to the traditional and religious leaders to sensitize their subjects and followers to always uphold law and order in their conducts, condemned the recent spate of looting and destruction of public and private property across the country.
She pointed out that, the meeting is a continuation of the engagement with different stakeholders towards strengthening peaceful coexistence in the State.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan provided update on security challenges and efforts by the government is making to deal with the security challenges and secure the State.
AMINU DALHATU