Namadi launch 300 MICRO retail shops for youths empowerment in jigawa
By Dahiru Suleiman, Dutse.
Governor Umar Namadi, FCA, of jigawa state has commissioned the State Micro Retailers Empowerment Initiative, with the commissioning of 300 micro retail shops for distribution across the state as the first phase of the initiative.
The event, which was held at the Mallam Aminu Kano Triangle, Dutse, is a clear proof to the administration’s commitment to creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering development in the state.
Delivering his speech, Governor Namadi described the initiative as a key factor in his administration’s youth empowerment drive.
initiatives was aimed to empower youths and 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 was pleased to announce the fulfillment of that commitment: “I am highly delighted that today, as we are gathered here, all 300 micro retail shops are ready to be distributed to 300 carefully selected youth from each of the wards in the state.”
Each kiosk comes pre-stocked with essential commodities, serving as seed capital for the beneficiaries to launch their retail businesses.
Governor Namadi stressed the transformative potential of this program: “Each of these youths 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,” adding that 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.
He reassured Jigawa’s youth of his continued dedication to their development: “We would not relent on our efforts. We will continue to accord high priority to very innovative economic empowerment and employment programs that would provide sustainable means of livelihoods.”
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.
“I pray that you will all be successful in managing the retail shops, and that in the next one or two years, you will all be celebrated as having expanded your businesses beyond micro retail to something bigger, In Shaa Allah.”
