The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has taken a significant step towards empowering young people in Kano State. The agency recently provided tailoring equipment to 100 youths from Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu local government areas. This initiative aims to equip the beneficiaries with practical skills to establish their own businesses and become self-reliant. The equipment was distributed after a six-week intensive training programme in tailoring.
The training programme, which covered both theoretical and practical aspects of tailoring, was designed to provide the beneficiaries with a comprehensive understanding of the trade. NASENI's executive vice chairman, Khalil Halilu, stated that the initiative was part of the agency's efforts to promote human capital development in Nigeria. He emphasized that the programme went beyond providing machines, highlighting the importance of skills acquisition for the country's industrial and economic growth.
The beneficiaries received start-up materials, enabling them to begin their businesses immediately. According to Halilu, this initiative would help reduce the financial barriers often faced by young people and women seeking to establish businesses. He noted that tailoring is not just a craft, but an enterprise that can lead to self-employment, income generation, and economic independence. The programme aims to promote self-reliance and reduce unemployment among youths and women in the region.
Halilu urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment effectively and consider themselves future entrepreneurs and employers of labour. He advised them to form cooperatives and support groups to facilitate collective sourcing of materials, access to customers, and mutual support. This, he believed, would help them to sustain their businesses and contribute to the country's economic growth.
The Chairman of Gaya Local Government Area, Mahmud Tajo, commended NASENI for the empowerment programme, describing it as significant. He noted that the programme would help address unemployment and improve the socio-economic well-being of youths and women in the area. Tajo expressed optimism that the initiative would promote self-reliance and reduce crime among youth in the communities.
The Emir of Gaya, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulkadir, also commended NASENI for extending the programme to the emirate. He urged the beneficiaries not to sell the equipment but to use it to establish sustainable businesses. The Emir emphasized the importance of the programme in promoting economic growth and self-reliance among young people in the region.
The NASENI initiative is a significant step towards promoting economic growth and self-reliance in Kano State. The programme has provided the beneficiaries with the necessary skills and equipment to establish their own businesses. With the support of NASENI, the beneficiaries are expected to contribute to the country's economic growth and become employers of labour in the future.
Key points
- NASENI provides tailoring equipment to 100 youths in Kano State to promote self-reliance and economic growth.
- The programme includes a six-week intensive training in tailoring, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the trade.
- The initiative aims to reduce financial barriers faced by young people and women seeking to establish businesses.
