Ganduje Unveils CBN, NDE Agric Empowerment Skill for Youths

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State yesterday commenced the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) agriculture business for small and medium enterprises investment scheme for 5,000 youths in Kano.

The two-day empowerment programme targeted at youths across the 44 local government areas of the state was part of CBN intervention scheme aimed at wealth creation and self-reliance.

The empowerment programme is being anchored by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in the state.

Besides, about 4,500 petty traders benefited N20,000 each under the state employment initiative to improve their small scale businesses.

Unveiling the entrepreneurship skills yesterday at the Sani Abacha sports indoors hall, Ganduje posited that the federal government empowerment skill was in line with state youths’ employment initiative.

Ganduje pointed out that the entrepreneurship programme was being anchored in collaboration with CBN and NDE to reduce unemployment, saying the government is supporting the initiative with N20million.

The governor reminded the people that since the inception of his administration, over 50,000 people, including youths, women and the less privilege in the society, had so far benefited from the state empowerment initiatives.

Part of the initiatives Ganduje pointed, include ICT training and employment, Skill accusation, business support opportunity among other empowerment.

The governor explained that the state government is expending over N5billion on the construction of ultra-modern skill accusation centre, which he promised would be completed before the end of his administration.

Representing CBN governor, a director at the apex bank in Kano, Rabiu Musa Yar’adua, hinted that the agriculture enterprises being funded by the bank was part of the federal government innovation towards employment opportunities and poverty reduction. He assured the state government of equal opportunity in CBN intervention programme.

On his part, Director General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Nasiru Lawan Argungun, said the agency has trained 76,400 youths across the federation.

He said NDE is also working with CBN, Bank of Industry and Bank of Agriculture to supports trainees.