By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse In a significant step toward youth empowerment and grassroots economic growth, Governor Umar Namadi has launched t...
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
In a significant step toward youth empowerment and grassroots economic growth, Governor Umar Namadi has launched the Jigawa State Micro Retailers Empowerment Initiative, inaugurating 300 micro-retail shops in the first phase of the program.
The event, held at the Mallam Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse, showcased the administration’s commitment to fostering sustainable livelihoods and advancing development in the state.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Namadi emphasized the importance of the initiative in his administration’s youth empowerment agenda.
“Today, we are launching yet another youth empowerment and employment program designed to provide sustainable means of livelihood to 300 youths across the state. This aligns with our homegrown, innovative, and well-targeted youth empowerment programs being implemented across all sectors of the state’s economy,” he said.
The initiative was introduced in July by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 4th Expanded National MSME Clinics in Jigawa State, where 50 prototype retail shops were initially unveiled. The governor announced the fulfillment of the promise to scale up to 300 shops, stating, “All 300 micro retail shops are ready to be distributed to carefully selected youth from each ward in the state.”
Each shop is pre-stocked with essential commodities, serving as seed capital for beneficiaries to kickstart their businesses. Governor Namadi highlighted the program’s transformative potential, noting that the shops provide youths with an opportunity to grow their businesses and transition from micro retailers to larger enterprises.
Beneficiaries will also receive training in basic business skills to ensure they can effectively manage and expand their ventures.
Governor Namadi further outlined his administration’s broader commitment to economic empowerment, citing various initiatives that have benefited over 200,000 individuals in the last 18 months. These include women-focused enterprises, small business grants, and microcredit schemes.
As part of the administration’s forward-looking plans, the proposed 2025 state budget allocates over ₦7 billion to support business cooperatives, skills development, microcredit programs, and other youth-oriented initiatives.
The governor encouraged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, expressing optimism about their future success.
“I pray that you will all be successful in managing the retail shops and that, in the next one or two years, you will be celebrated for expanding your businesses beyond micro retail to something bigger, Insha Allah,” he said.
This landmark initiative underscores the administration’s determination to prioritize innovative programs that create sustainable livelihoods and drive economic growth in Jigawa State.
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