Foundation Trains 390 Kebbi Students, Others

A non-governmental organisation, Zakis Gem Foundation in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State has equipped 390 secondary school students and others with vocational skills to become self-reliant.

The chief executive officer of the foundation, Dr Nafisa Abubakar Zaki, stated this yesterday at the graduation ceremony of the beneficiaries in commemoration of 2023 World Youth Skills Day and International Youth Day held at Women Affairs and Social Development Ministry Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

She said the foundation which was established in 2003 had worked in a number of local government areas in the state which include Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo,  Bunza,  Yauri,  Suru and Fakai.

Zaki said from its inception to date, the foundation has trained 35,000 comprising secondary school students, non-students, vulnerable children, orphans and widows as well as survivors of gender-based violence.

She said at present, the foundation has a well-equipped skills acquisition centre in Birnin Kebbi which can engage thousands of trainees.

“This foundation which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other bodies in different states of the federation is implementing a project for women and Voice of  Leadership projects in Nigeria in partnership with Nana Girls Women Empowerment Initiative managed by Action Aid Nigeria by global affairs, Canada,” she said.

Zaki called on the Kebbi State government and other donor agencies to assist the foundation with funds for its continuity.

Wife of the Kebbi State governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasara, in her keynote address, commended the foundation for empowering people in the state through acquisition of skills.

She said her office would collaborate with the foundation to extend skills acquisition training to other vulnerable persons, particularly widows and orphans in other local government areas in the state.