By Idris Umar, Zaria In a bid to stimulate grassroots economic growth and promote financial inclusion, the Chairman of the Assoc...
By Idris Umar, Zaria
In a bid to stimulate grassroots economic growth and promote financial inclusion, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State Chapter, and Executive Chairman of Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Honourable Abubakar Jamilu Albani Samaru, on Wednesday distributed financial aid and business support packages to small-scale entrepreneurs in Sabon Gari.
The empowerment program, which primarily targeted women engaged in the local Awara (soybean cake) trade, attracted hundreds of beneficiaries who gathered at the residence of Hon. Garba Datti Babawo in GRA, Sabon Gari, Zaria.
The initiative is part of Hon. Albani's broader policy agenda aimed at strengthening the informal sector, which he described as the “backbone of the local economy.”
“Our objective is clear—economic empowerment at the grassroots level is essential for sustainable development,” Hon. Albani declared.
“This intervention is designed to foster self-reliance, reduce poverty, and enhance the socio-economic status of our people.”
The Chairman further assured that the empowerment scheme would be institutionalized to accommodate a wider range of small business owners, regardless of gender, reflecting his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and local economic transformation.
In a significant policy pronouncement, Hon. Albani pledged to sponsor the formal education of some beneficiaries, emphasizing that women’s education is integral to community development. Additionally, he offered personal support to women preparing for marriage, highlighting his administration’s human-centered leadership approach.
“I believe that when we empower women, we empower entire communities. Education and economic independence go hand in hand, and my administration will continue to invest in both,” he added.
Crucially, Hon. Albani clarified that the distributed items were grants, not loans, allowing recipients to reinvest in their businesses without repayment pressure.
“This is a gift, not a loan. I want you to continue your businesses with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that your local government stands firmly behind you,” he told the enthusiastic crowd.
Hon. Albani also lauded the support of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, acknowledging his administration’s role in enabling local development initiatives.
“We remain grateful to His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, whose unwavering support has made these empowerment programs possible. We will continue to complement the state government’s development agenda by strengthening local economic structures,” he said.
The event saw the attendance of prominent political stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman of Sabon Gari LGA, Hon. Kamilu Abdulkareem (Dan Madami), as well as key aides and political associates who play strategic roles in the local administration.
Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the intervention. Murja, an elderly woman from Anguwar Muciya, shared her story:
“After losing my husband, my Awara business became my only means to feed my children and keep them in school. This support from Hon. Albani is a blessing—I now have capital to expand and provide better for my family,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Another recipient, Mama Hakima, praised the Chairman for his dedication to uplifting small business owners, stating that the empowerment would have a lasting impact on their livelihoods.
The event concluded peacefully, with beneficiaries optimistic that the intervention marked a turning point in their economic journeys.
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