Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on Friday, launched the first segment of the Ganduje Mass Economic Empowerment Programme (G – MEEP), covering 520 women and youths from across the state.
The beneficiaries were presented with grinding machine, sewing machine, spaghetti making tool and Masa/Kosai fryer and a working capital of N5, 000 each. Ten beneficiaries were drawn each from the 36 rural local government areas, while 20 were selected from the eight metropolitan local councils.
Speaking during the occasion, the state governor, represented by his deputy, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, explained that the administration is investing in the development of skills, talents and entrepreneurship of women and youths so as to address unemployment, which is one of the biggest challenges of the state.
“I am therefore particularly excited that we are launching this programme with the hope that it will redefine the way we engage and support the empowerment of our young people and women going forward. I want to encourage all of us to join hands with the Government in this direction to enable our youth achieve their goals”, the governor stated.
He added that beneficiaries of the programme will be sent to their respective local governments to receive training and requisite skills and experience that can improve their chosen field of empowerment
The governor therefore, enjoined beneficiaries of the programme to make a good use of the opportunity not only to acquire the skill but also pursue their respective businesses with zeal and dedication so that they can be empowered and bring full contribution to societal development and peace.
Governor Ganduje also expressed the hope that it will also go a long way in complementing the effort of the government towards checking redundancy and idleness which are the contributing factors to engaging in social vices and criminal activities
The governor tasked the respective local governments of origin of the benefiting youth to provide mentorship and support that the beneficiaries need to become all that they potentially can be.
On his part, the chairman of the organizing committee of the Ganduje administration first year in office, who is also the state Commissioner of Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba, expressed the administration’s commitment to build its human capital for enhanced productivity.
One of the beneficiaries, Ibrahim Nahudu thanked Governor Ganduje for creating enabling environment or youth and women to realize their full potential and contribute significantly to nation building.
