NGO Empowers 50 Bauchi Women With Vocational Skills, Funds

A non-governmental organisation, Langa Women Development Initiative, has empowered 50 women and girls in Bauchi State through vocational training and financial inclusion programmes to promote self-reliance and economic stability.

The initiative was implemented under the Small Scale Project Fund of the Development Exchange Center, with support from Bread for the World.

The beneficiaries were drawn from Kafin Tafawa and Tsakanin Bayara communities in Bauchi local government area.

At their graduation after six months of intensive training yesterday, the executive director and founder of the initiative, Dr Grace Maikudi, said the participants were equipped with practical entrepreneurial skills to become financially independent.

She said 10 beneficiaries were trained in tailoring and bag making, while 40 others received training in rice processing and brown powder production to improve their income-generating opportunities.

Maikudi said two Village Savings and Loans Associations, Aminchi and Nasara, were established to encourage a savings culture and provide financial support for members seeking to expand their businesses.

According to her, 10 beneficiaries were also provided with sewing machines to help them establish their businesses, adding that the organisation would continue monitoring the beneficiaries to ensure effective utilisation of the equipment.

She commended the Development Exchange Center (DEC) for supporting the project and urged the women to maximise the knowledge acquired by becoming professionals in their chosen trades and transferring the skills to others within their communities.

Also speaking, the executive director of the Development Exchange Center (DEC), Mrs. Helen Abba, represented by Programme Officer Esther Bala, described the initiative as impactful and praised the participants for their commitment throughout the training period.

The event featured exhibitions of products made by the trainees, while beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the organisation for giving them an opportunity to improve their livelihoods and secure a better future.