Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has flagged off the disbursement of ₦60 million to 600 youths trained in various skills under SOSMEDA and Community Development.
Out of the 600 youths trained, 350 were trained in tailoring, rice processing, and hybrid farming by the Department of Community Development while the rest 250 were trained in solar installation and maintenance by SOSMEDA.
Each beneficiary received ₦100,000 and working tools to support their entrepreneurial pursuits.
According to the governor, the training program was aimed at empowering the youths to become self-reliant, productive, and contribute to the state’s economic development.
He said his administration had so far trained over 3,750 young men and women in various skills acquisition program.
The governor urged the beneficiaries to utilize the grants and tools wisely, assuring them that the state government would continue to support them with skills acquisition programs and other initiatives to alleviate poverty and related social issues.
This initiative, he said, further strengthens government’s commitment, leading to the creation of the Ministry for Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, aimed at equipping more youths with adequate skills to drive economic growth and development.
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Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Development, Alhaji Garba Maitumbi Kebbe, commended the governor for his unwavering support to the youth empowerment program.
He noted that the program has made a significant impact in the lives of many young people in the state and expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would utilize the skills acquired to become self-reliant and contribute to the state’s economic development.
Maitumbi further stated that the state government is committed to providing a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the program by repaying the trust and support given to them.
He also urged them to take advantage of the skills acquired to establish their own businesses and create jobs for others.
The Executive Secretary of SOSMEDA, Hajiya Binta Usman, expressed gratitude to the governor for his vision and leadership, which has led to the success of the program.
She commended the beneficiaries for their dedication and hard work, urging them to continue utilizing the skills acquired to improve their lives and contribute to the state’s economic development.
The Representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, the District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabiru Chigari Alhassan, commended the governor for the initiative, which he said was in line with the teachings of Islam and the values of the Sokoto Caliphate.
He prayed for the governor’s success and the prosperity of the state, urging the beneficiaries to use the skills acquired to benefit themselves, their families, and the larger community.
Olusola Akintonde