The wife of Kebbi governor, Nafisa Nasir-Idris, on Sunday empowered 350 youths and women from four areas of Birnin Kebbi council area to promote self-reliance and reduce unemployment.

Ms Nasir-Idris announced this at the graduation and empowerment ceremony organised by the NANAS Foundation held in Birnin Kebbi.

She said the initiative was designed to equip women and youths with practical skills to become self-reliant and create job opportunities for others.

“Whatever I do, my starting point is Shiyar Fada and its environs because the residents have been supportive of my husband and his administration.

“I considered it necessary to empower some youths and women through skills acquisition training to enable them to become self-reliant. The knowledge acquired, if properly utilised, can be expanded to employ others and create more employers of labour,” she said.

The governor’s wife announced a N500,000 empowerment grant for each of 13 other selected beneficiaries, as well as 10 motorcycles for youths.

She also pledged to provide solar-powered streetlights for mosques across the area.

Mr Nasir-Idris urged the beneficiaries to use the opportunities wisely.

The governor’s wife also encouraged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate in the electoral process. She further disclosed that she had donated a vehicle and cash to the Kauran Gwandu Support Group, in addition to a vehicle provided by her husband.

The coordinator of the NANAS Foundation, Aminuddeen Attahiru-Nassarawa, described the graduation as the fulfilment of a commitment made by the governor’s wife to equip the beneficiaries with vocational skills.

He said the foundation trained the 350 beneficiaries in tailoring, shoe and bag making, catering and cosmetology.

Mr Attahiru-Nassarawa urged the beneficiaries to put their newly acquired skills to productive use and become economically independent. He also called on residents to support the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections to ensure continuity of its programmes at the state and national levels.

The APC vice-chairman in Kebbi, Mudi Augie, commended the foundation for the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution towards addressing unemployment and underemployment in the state.

Mr Augie urged the beneficiaries to utilise the skills and support provided to generate income and stimulate economic activities in their communities.

(NAN)