Niger State Government Empowers Youths with Financial Literacy

The Niger State Government in northwest Nigeria has announced plans to train at least 10,000 youths, with a special focus on young women, in financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) and the MasterCard Foundation, was inaugurated as the ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY)’.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Social Investment Programme, explained that the program aims to equip young entrepreneurs with essential business management skills, enhance their employability, and foster a mindset for transformation and capacity development.

“The programme is designed for mostly young female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen, offering both online and in-person training sessions to foster entrepreneurial skills to succeed.

“The programme provides 60 per cent online and 40 per cent offline training, targeting 80 per cent young female and 20 per cent male entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35,” she said.

According to her, the online training is open to all Niger residents, and interested persons can register via the link: bit.ly/tny25niger.

She said benefits of the programme include business growth and mentorship, business registration and branding support, job placement and entrepreneurship linkages and certification.

In her remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, noted that “the programme package does not include starter packs, business grants or loans.”

Also speaking, Mrs Halima Rabiu from EDC, explained that the programme could also be done 100 per cent online, and participants can learn at their own pace.

“The courses are easy to understand, and we also have community physical learning for the state government to bring the women together to learn through zones,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Olawale Anifowose, Director Programmes and Partnerships of the MasterCard Foundation, disclosed that the programme was designed for 10,000 entrepreneurs in Niger State, focusing on microenterprises.

“The programme promises to build on past successes, offering an enhanced curriculum that covers critical areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing and digital skills,” he said.

NAN