The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on organizations to support empowerment programs targeting women and youth in Kano
Daily News 24 reports that the Emir made this remark on Saturday at the graduation ceremony of 6,000 beneficiaries of the Better Life for Children and Women Future Foundation’s skill acquisition program at Bayero University, Kano.
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The Emir, who was represented by Maigirma Dangoriban Kano, Alhaji Abubakar Sule Gaya, highlighted the crucial role of such initiatives in fostering societal development.
“The empowerment of women is essential, not only for the individuals involved but for the broader community,” he stated. “This kind of training helps women and youth gain the skills they need to improve their lives and, in turn, assist others in their communities.”
Emir Sanusi emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that equip women and youth with practical skills, thereby reducing idleness and its potential consequences. He noted, “When we empower women and youth, we keep them away from idleness, which can lead to negative behaviors such as crime.
I urge other organizations to emulate the efforts of Better Life for Children and Women Future Foundation.”
The event marked the graduation of 6,000 women and youth trained in various skills, including solar installation, poultry farming, biogas technology, IT, catering, home farming, and more.
Ambassador Dr. Sameera Abubakar Abdullahi, President of the Better Life for Children and Women Future Foundation, highlighted the program’s objective, which is to train 10,000 women and youths, starting with Kano State.
“We have completed the training of 2,000 people in April, and today, we are celebrating the graduation of 6,000 participants,” she noted. “This initiative aims to tackle the challenges faced by women and youth in Nigeria, equipping them with skills to become self-reliant.”
She advised the graduates to apply the skills they have learned, urging them not to be deterred by the lack of capital. “I would like to advise them to take what they have learned seriously and put it into practice. Do not let a lack of capital stop you from utilizing your skills,” she added.
Dr. Abdullahi also appealed to Kano State stakeholders to create an enabling environment and provide the necessary tools for the beneficiaries. “If they learn but do not have anything to work with, it becomes a waste. We are soliciting support from key stakeholders to help establish a skill acquisition center for monitoring, evaluation, and follow-up,” she said.
Representing the Executive Governor of Kano State, the Commissioner of Rural and Community Development, Hon. Abbas Sani Abbas, reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women and youth, highlighting the transformative potential of such programs. “Empowerment is the key to unlocking the potential of our women and youth. It is a crucial step in fostering economic development and ensuring a sustainable future for our communities,” he stated.
He emphasized that change must start from within, urging the participants to adopt a positive mindset. “For real change to occur, it must begin with our mindset. When we empower individuals with the right skills and mindset, we set them on a path to self-reliance and economic independence.”
One of the beneficiaries, Hassana Lawal, who was trained in home farming, shared her experience, explaining how the program has transformed her life. “We were taught how to plant tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers in rubber buckets without going to farms. This knowledge helps us produce food for our families and earn an income,” she said.
Lawal expressed her gratitude to the foundation’s president for the life-changing initiative. “We thank the president for empowering us with these skills, enabling us to support ourselves and our families,” she added.
During the ceremony, outstanding members of the foundation were recognized with awards for their contributions, and certificates were presented to the best-performing graduates.
