"Kebbi First Lady Urges Women, Youths to Acquire Skills, Become Self-Reliant"

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi 

The First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, has advised women and youth beneficiaries who received training on various skills to become self-reliant and potential employers of labour. She made this statement at the graduation ceremony of 150 beneficiaries of the skills acquisition program under the Nasarawa 2 Empowerment Scheme 2025, in Birnin Kebbi.

The event, organized by Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Maikurata, was held at the residence of Alhaji Muhammad Maikurata Nasarawa 2, Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area. Hajiya Zainab emphasized the importance of acquiring skills and engaging in small businesses to become self-reliant. "Make proper use of the skills you received to support yourselves, your families, and the larger society," she advised the beneficiaries.

Hajiya Zainab commended the organizers of the Nasarawa 2 Empowerment Scheme and Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Maikurata for her efforts in ensuring women and youth become self-reliant. She called on other permanent secretaries and individuals to emulate this kind gesture. Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Maikurata, Permanent Secretary of the Kebbi State Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, stated that the empowerment initiatives aimed to complement the efforts of Governor Nasir Idris by providing relief to the teeming population, particularly the youth.

"This is expected to help reduce unemployment among young people," she added. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary School Education, Dr. Halima Muhammad Bande, commended Hajiya Aisha Muhammad Maikurata's efforts in empowering youths. "Efforts are being made to promote entrepreneurship in basic and secondary schools across the state, ensuring that youths are trained in various skills before graduation," Dr. Bande said.

Dr. Bande made a donation of ₦200,000 to support the beneficiaries. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also used the occasion to sensitize youths on the dangers of drug abuse. The 150 beneficiaries received training on various skills, including tailoring, shoe-making, cosmetics, and catering services. Each beneficiary received a business starter pack, while 600 other beneficiaries received ₦20,000 in cash.