By Mustapha Salisu
The Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, Sen. Rufa’i Sani Hanga, has facilitated the training of 200 constituents across the 15 local government areas of his constituency on shoemaking, alongside the provision of start-up grants.
The training, organized in collaboration with the Border Communities Development Agency, culminated in a closing ceremony held at the senator’s Sokoto Road office in Kano.
In his remarks, Sen. Hanga urged the beneficiaries to build networks with their mentors and prospective customers, noting that markets exist not only within Nigeria but also in neighboring countries such as Cameroon and the Republic of Niger.
He emphasized that vocational skills, when well mastered, can generate more income than formal salaries.
Sen. Hanga assured the trainees of continuous patronage once they become professionals, describing it as a way of motivating and encouraging them to sustain the skills acquired.
The senator further advised them to make judicious use of the training and to pass on the knowledge to others as part of efforts to reduce the unemployment rate nationwide.
One of the beneficiaries, Abdullahi Muhammad from Gwale Veterinary, commended Sen. Hanga for the initiative and appealed for its sustainability, stressing that it would go a long way in helping youths become self-reliant.
Similarly, another beneficiary, Salamatu Isa from Goron Dutse, Yelwa, expressed delight with both the training and the grant support, noting that participants were provided with shoemaking materials such as gums, needles, threads, cushions, and scissors.
Our correspondent gathered that each participant received N5,000 daily during the three-day training with an addition of N25,000 including a certificate of participation at the closing ceremony.
The event was graced by top dignitaries and government officials including the Chairman of Kano NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa among others.
