Sen. Khabeeb Empowers 40 Youths with Business Skills, N40 Million Takeoff Grant in Jigawa

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

Senator Mustapha Khabeeb, representing the Jigawa Southwest Senatorial District, has empowered 40 youths with business skills and startup grants worth over N40 million.

At a signing ceremony, Senator Khabeeb and the beneficiaries entered an agreement to ensure proper use of the provided shoemaking equipment. The agreement stipulated that the youth would not sell the tools and would instead utilize them to create job opportunities within their communities and across the senatorial zone.

During the event, Senator Khabeeb, represented by Jigawa State PDP Secretary Isa Bello Gwadayi, distributed shoemaking equipment and a business startup cash grant of N100,000 to each participant. He highlighted that this initiative marked the sixth major empowerment program, which has trained both male and female youths in various skills, providing them with tools and startup funds capable of launching a small business.

The Senator noted that “thousands of youths in this senatorial zone have been empowered, many of whom have now established their own businesses, become self-reliant, and are providing jobs to others.”

He further stated that in addition to the larger empowerment initiatives, there have been numerous smaller programs and grants aimed at supporting thousands since his election, with a goal to reach every family.

Senator Khabeeb assured constituents that more empowerment programs are in the pipeline and encouraged the newly trained youth to pass on their skills to others in their communities.

The 40 beneficiaries, who had completed a 21-day shoemaking training, each received N100,000 and essential tools to establish their businesses. The training, held at the Federal University Dutse (FUD) Department of Entrepreneurship, was conducted by the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Zaria, and concluded with certificate presentations to the participants.

Some beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, sharing that the program has enabled them to become self-reliant and pledging to use the tools solely for their intended purpose. They showcased some of the leather shoes they had produced to state PDP leaders present at the ceremony.

As a token of appreciation, the graduates presented Senator Khabeeb with an award, recognizing his exemplary leadership qualities.