Mufarka Initiative Empowers Kano Youths with Vocational Skills, Business Support
By Mustapha Salisu
A Non-Governmental Organization, Mufarka Youth Development Initiative, with support from Sahel Corporate Value, has empowered 10 youths with essential vocational skills and business start-up support following a three-month training program.
The project, which involved 5 participants each from Gwale and Fagge LGAs in Kano State, provided training in various vocational skills including sewing, barbing, and leatherwork, such as shoe, bag, and cap-making, was implemented by Sunad and Zaitun Foundations.
Prime Time News reports that the distribution of empowerment kits comprising of sewing machines, clippers, and leatherwork kits among others took place today (Thursday) at the Zaitun Humanitarian Foundation Building in Kwali, Kano.
Speaking to newsmen during the event, Barr. Nura Ahmad Muhammad, Founder of Mufarka Youth Development Initiative, explained that the project aims to transform lives of youths by equipping them with skills and start-up support to promote self-reliance and enable local community growth in Kano State.
Barr. Nura further revealed that the cohort comprised five leatherwork trainees, two tailoring trainees, and three barbers, who received essential tools and materials to help them start their businesses.
He encouraged the leatherwork participants to produce at least five shoes, which Mufarka Initiative would purchase and help market. “Those in barbing were attached to local salons where they have already demonstrated their skills, and the same applies to tailoring,” he added.
Additionally, while announcing plans to open bank accounts for the trainees to help them save profits and prepare for the future, He urged them to make good use of the tools provided and give feedback to Mufarka for future planning.
Buhari Zubairu, Senior Program Officer at Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, emphasized that Sahel’s role in the project was part of its corporate shared value program, which mobilizes staff to implement impactful community initiatives.
Zubairu stated that this particular project aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to youth development, adding, “For us, it’s about ensuring sustainability and creating a thriving future for the youth.”
He called on other organizations to contribute to such efforts, stressing that skill acquisition is a practical solution to Nigeria’s current challenges and highlighting the importance of continuing such programs to uplift the youth and help them turn their new skills into viable businesses.
A beneficiary, Aisha Abubakar from Kurna, expressed her gratitude on behalf of her colleagues, while speaking to newsmen, noting that she learned sewing and fashion designing during the training.
While Mufarka Initiative and the supporting partners for empowering them, Aisha vowed to use her newly acquired skills to contribute to the economic growth of Kano State and the nation at large.
