Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi
In an Efforts to reduce poverty, boost businesses, and add value to the economy of the state, Kebbi State Governor, has empowered 205 women vegetable sellers with the sum of N6.15 million naira.
Addresing the gathering at the occasion at Bayan Kara Market, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Atiku Bagudu said his administration is ready to always partner with any groups and association to further boost trade and commerce in the state; this is aimed at reducing unemployment and poverty, hence, add value to the economy of the state and the Nation.
Bagudu announced that each of the 205 women will get 30,000 naira in other to boost their business.
He therefore lauded the vegetable and perishable foods association for the unparalleled gesture and urged other groups to emulate so as to get routine support from the state government.
Earlier, Alhaji Umarun Basiru, the Chairman of Vegetables Sellers and Perishable foods Association said they initiatied the program to support women who were mosty widows to conduct small business to generate income and support their families.
According to him, the women had undergone training on Perishable items for 5 months on modalities for buying, selling and processing of Perishable items.
The comprehensive training of women traders was earlier conducted by the state chapter of the Vegetables Sellers Association.
Adding that all the women who benefitted from the program have received training in perishable items preservation.
He averred “We are willing as an association to sustain the program with another 1000 women next year with support from government.”
He commended the governor for his assistance to the women which he described as timely in order to keep the women actively involved in business.
Hajiya Amina Gwandangaji, one of the beneficiaries who is a widow, said the training has afforded her with additional valuable knowledge on vegetables and perishable items.
She commended the governor for providing the start up capital for them and promised to make best use of it properly.
Meanwhile, personalities who graced the occasion were, Commissioner for Land and Housing, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, Special Adviser to the governor on Women Development, Hajiya Zarau Wali, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aishatu Maikurata and Chairman Birnin Kebbi local Government, Muhammad Aminu Ahmad. Among others.
