The member representing Darazo-Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mansur Soro, has empowered 100 youths and women with livelihood skills to promote self-reliance and reduce poverty in Bauchi State.
The training, implemented in partnership with Westgate and Stones Integrated Limited, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), targeted participants from rural communities in Darazo and Ganjuwa local government areas.
Initially planned for 45 participants, the number was increased to 100 at the directive of Hon. Soro, who said more people deserved to benefit from the initiative.
The programme provided training for small business operators such as kiosk owners, POS agents, hairdressers, tailors, and petty traders.
Programme anchor, Joshua Vincent of Westgate and Stones Integrated, explained that each participant would have a registered business name and receive a stipend to start their enterprise after the training.
Beneficiaries expressed excitement, describing the intervention as life-changing. One of them, Sufiyanu Ibrahim, a small pharmaceutical shop owner in Darazo, lauded the lawmaker for giving youths opportunities to sustain themselves.
“This support will help many of us grow our businesses and avoid dependence,” he said.
Also speaking, Aisha Inuwa, a textile seller, hailed the inclusion of women in the programme, noting that it would help them gain independence. “This will make women less dependent on their husbands and able to support their families,” she said.
