Jigawa State Government has launched the distribution of empowerment grants to 1,400 selected women cap makers from across seven local government areas.
At the flag-off ceremony held at the Banquet Hall in Dutse, Governor Umar Namadi stated that the programme is part of his administration’s policy to empower citizens through their existing businesses.
The governor explained that since many women and young girls in the Dutse Emirate area are engaged in cap making, the government decided to support them in improving their businesses to help eradicate poverty.
“These women and girls engaged in the cap-making business contribute to the micro-economy. They are doing a great deal to promote the welfare and general well-being of their families,” Governor Namadi said.
“Today, we have gathered here to mark another milestone in our quest to fight poverty and empower women to be self-reliant for the growth and sustainable development of our state.”
According to the governor, the grant includes basic materials needed for cap making, expressing optimism that the intervention will build the women’s capacity to produce more for greater profits and incomes.
“Our plan is to create two production clusters where women can work. When a woman finishes knitting her cap, she will bring it to the cluster centre. From there, we will create markets for them, not only within Jigawa State but also beyond Nigeria’s shores,” the governor stated.
In a related development, Governor Namadi commissioned a landmark solar electrification project at the Dutse Ultra-Modern Market, connecting 300 shops to a clean, reliable, and cost-free energy source.
The project, executed through the Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Agency, fulfils a major campaign promise by the Namadi administration to provide renewable energy infrastructure that supports small businesses and reduces dependence on the national grid.
