By Aliyu Usman | Birnin Kebbi
In a major drive to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment, the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Idris, has empowered 600 women and youths in Jega Local Government Area with various vocational skills and business start-up kits.
The initiative, which is part of her pet project, the Hajiya Idris’ Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation, aims to uplift vulnerable groups across the 21 local government areas of the state, beginning with Jega, widely recognized as the commercial heartbeat of Kebbi.
The beneficiaries, who underwent two months of intensive training, received vocational education in cosmetology, catering, shoe-making, tailoring, make-up artistry, and more. In addition to the skill kits, each participant was given ₦30,000 in cash to launch their businesses.
Speaking during the distribution of items, Hajiya Idris explained that the empowerment scheme was supported and inspired by her husband, Governor Nasir Idris, as part of a broader effort to help women support their families.
“Cost of living is now enormous. The burden is more on men and husbands, and women must endeavour to engage in economic ventures to assist in family upkeep,” she stated.
She emphasized that the programme was designed to reduce dependency, promote trade and commerce, and improve household income levels across Kebbi State.
Addressing rumours circulating about the Governor’s alleged neglect of Jega, she said:
“Gov. Nasir Idris holds Jega in high esteem. The rumour circulating about the governor with regards to Jega is untrue. Disregard it — my husband is a lover of Jega and its people.”
She urged the residents to remain law-abiding, supportive, and prayerful towards the success of the current administration.
The Sarkin Kabin Jega, Alhaji Muhammad Arzika-Bawa, commended the First Lady for choosing Jega as the launchpad of the empowerment programme, praising it as a significant boost to local economic development.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Jega LGA, Alhaji Shehu Umar, reaffirmed the town’s strategic role in the state’s commerce and thanked the Governor for his consistent economic interventions.
The empowerment programme has been widely lauded by beneficiaries and community leaders, with many describing it as timely and impactful in the face of current economic challenges.
