The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has empowered 100 youths from Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu Local Government Areas of Kano State with tailoring equipment. The equipment was distributed after the beneficiaries completed a six-week intensive training programme funded by NASENI. The programme aimed to equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance.
The beneficiaries, comprising men and women, were trained in tailoring services and provided with start-up materials to enable them to start their businesses immediately. NASENI's Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, stated that the programme was designed to equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance. He emphasized that human capital remained central to Nigeria's industrial and economic development.
Halilu, represented by NASENI's Director of Finance, Muhammad Al-Hassan, noted that tailoring should not be viewed merely as a craft, but as a pathway to self-employment, income generation, and economic independence. He explained that the 100 beneficiaries had received both theoretical and practical training, as well as start-up equipment to enable them to put their skills into practice.
The NASENI boss urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the equipment and consider themselves future entrepreneurs and employers. He advised them to form cooperatives or support groups to strengthen their businesses through collective sourcing of materials, sharing of customers, and mutual support. Halilu also warned that training without tools is incomplete, and tools without training are wasted.
The chairman of Gaya Local Government, Mahmud Tajo-Gaya, described the programme as significant, noting that it would help address unemployment and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of youths and women in the area. He stated that empowering youths and women with vocational skills would make them self-reliant and contribute to reducing crime in the communities.
The Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Dr Aliyu Abdulkadir, expressed appreciation to NASENI and the Federal Government for bringing the programme to the emirate. He urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment for the purpose for which they were provided and warned them against selling the items. One of the beneficiaries, Bashir Sani from Gaya Local Government Area, thanked NASENI for providing them with the training and equipment.
The programme was initially targeted at Gaya but was expanded to include Ajingi and Albasu to benefit more youths. With this initiative, NASENI has demonstrated its commitment to empowering young people with practical skills for self-reliance and economic independence. The agency's efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of the youths and women in Kano State.
Key points
- NASENI empowers 100 youths with tailoring equipment in Kano State.
- The programme aims to equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance and economic independence.
- The beneficiaries received both theoretical and practical training, as well as start-up equipment to enable them to start their businesses immediately.
