By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Jigawa State chapter, in collaboration with the Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Employment Generation Agency (DEYEA), has organised an entrepreneurship workshop for youths trained in kiosk business, tricycle (Keke Napep) repairs and solar installation.
The workshop, held in Ringim Emirate, was aimed at equipping beneficiaries with additional knowledge and encouraging them to become self-reliant through modern vocational skills.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary of NASSI in Jigawa State, Comrade Danlami Shuaibu, said the workshop was designed to strengthen the entrepreneurial capacity of the trainees and expose them to emerging opportunities in small-scale industries.
He said participants were also enlightened on the various industrial development initiatives introduced by Governor Umar Namadi’s administration, including the establishment of an industrial development bank, entrepreneurship support programmes and regular capacity-building workshops for youths and small business owners.
According to him, similar workshops have been organised across other emirates in the state as part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment among young people.
Representing the Director-General of JISEPA, the agency’s Director of Entrepreneurship Development, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, said the agency remains committed to empowering young men and women with practical skills that will enable them to become economically independent.
She urged the beneficiaries to utilise the knowledge gained during the workshop to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Some of the beneficiaries shared testimonies on how the training had transformed their lives.
One of them, Ibrahim Mu’azu Taura, who received training in kiosk business, said the venture now provides income for him to support his family, assist relatives, friends, orphans and other vulnerable members of his community.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Umar Namadi and the Director-General of DEYEA, Dr Habibu Muhammad Ubale Kanya, for providing the opportunity that enabled many youths to become self-employed.
Another beneficiary, Danladi Muhammad Sankara of Ringim Local Government Area, said he was trained in tricycle repairs and provided with working tools and motorcycles to enable him offer mobile repair services across communities.
He commended Governor Namadi, Dr Habibu Ubale and NASSI for empowering youths with practical skills capable of improving their standard of living.
Similarly, Nura Abdulmajid from Babura Local Government Area, who was trained in solar installation, said the programme had enabled him to become financially independent and contribute to the welfare of his parents.
He also praised NASSI for maintaining close contact with beneficiaries after the training to ensure they remained committed to their chosen trades.
The beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to the Jigawa State Government for prioritising youth empowerment through vocational training and entrepreneurship development programmes.
