Jigawa Governor Namadi Launches 300 Micro Retail Shops For Youths Empowerment
By Tahir Suleiman, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has commissioned the first phase of 300 micro retail shops under the Micro Retailers Empowerment Initiative.
Governor Namadi described the initiative as a key factor in his administration’s youth empowerment drive aimed to stimulate grassroots economic growth.
“Today, we are launching yet another youth empowerment and employment program designed to provide sustainable means of livelihood to 300 youths across the state. This is in line with our homegrown, innovative, and well-targeted youth empowerment programs being implemented across all sectors of the state’s economy,” he said.
The initiative was first introduced in July by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 4th Expanded National MSME Clinics in Jigawa State, in which 50 prototype retail shops were showcased, with a promise to scale up to 300 units.
Governor Namadi said each kiosk comes pre-stocked with essential commodities, serving as seed capital for the beneficiaries to launch their retail businesses.
The Governor stressed that each of the youth now has the opportunity to own and grow a retail shop to become a much bigger business enterprise and gradually transform them from micro retailers to big-time businessmen.
According to him, the beneficiaries would also receive training in basic business skills to ensure they can effectively manage their enterprises.
The Governor also highlighted his administration’s broader commitment to economic empowerment, pointing to several initiatives that have benefited over 200,000 individuals in the past 18 months. These include programs focused on women’s enterprises, small and medium-scale business grants, and microcredit schemes.
As part of the administration’s future plans, the proposed 2025 state budget includes a provision of over ₦7 billion for business cooperatives, skills development, micro-credit support, and other youth-focused initiatives.
Governor Namadi then urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity provided to economically grow.
He prayed that they will all be successful in managing the retail shops, and that in the next one or two years, they will all be celebrated as having expanded their businesses beyond micro retail to something bigger.
