The Kano State government says it will activate and support 250 cooperative groups across the state as an empowerment strategy.

Jamilu Abbas-Kiru, the newly appointed special adviser on cooperative groups to Governor Kabiru Yusuf, made this known to journalists in Kano on Sunday.

“He is determined to stimulate and enhance commerce and industrialisation, energy, security, as well as climate change initiatives in the state,” said Mr Abba-Kiru.

He added, “The administration has equally resolved to deliver quality and accessible healthcare services, functional education, rural development and water supply.”

The aide explained that various cooperative societies covering different trades, including agriculture, commerce, handicrafts, artisans and transportation, would be selected, trained and empowered.

According to him, the empowerment strategy is in line with the current digitalisation of global economic activities.

“Majority of our people are in rural areas and lack adequate knowledge and benefits of cooperative. They rarely belong or form cooperative societies.

“They are also deficient in modern Information Communication Technology (ICT) and how it is driving socio-economic activities,” said Mr Abbas-Kiru, also the national president of the Market and Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN).

He further disclosed that the government would help establish and empower such cooperative groups and link the members up with finance and banking institutions to enable them access intervention funds and ease their businesses.

(NAN)