The Adamawa government has trained 63 graduates, including women and youths, in cosmetology and home technology as part of its empowerment programme in the state.

Hamman Gatugel, the state commissioner for entrepreneurship development, said this while presenting start-up kits to beneficiaries after their training in Yola.

He said that their four-day training was a major step toward promoting creativity, resilience and economic empowerment in the state.

“The programme is designed as part of the ministry’s mandate to equip youths and women with market-driven skills that promote self-reliance, wealth creation, and sustainable livelihoods.

“Cosmetology and home technology remain fast-growing sectors in micro-enterprise development.

“The skills acquired will help beneficiaries generate daily income and support their families,” the commissioner said.

Mr Gatugel congratulated the graduates and urged them to apply the skill productively, saying their knowledge would contribute to the growth and the prosperity of Adamawa and Nigeria.

He commended Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for his continued support for the implementation of various women’s and youth empowerment programmes in the state.

In his remarks, Michael Zira, director-general of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), also commended Mr Fintiri for establishing the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Development.

He said that small-scale businesses could sustain communities, urging the beneficiaries to take the trade seriously in order to become employers of labour in the future.

Mustapha Gana, state coordinator of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, creativity, and excellence in their businesses.

He also advised the beneficiaries to value their customers, remain consistent, and invest time and resources.

Mr Gana assured the state government that SMEDAN would continue to provide technical support to small-scale business enterprises.

Wonokaha Ahmadu, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the state government for organising the programme aimed at promoting self-reliance.

He said the training covered both theory and practical sessions in producing liquid detergent, petroleum jelly, air freshener, shampoo and soap.

(NAN)