Awwalu Danladi, the commissioner for humanitarian and special duties in Jigawa, has empowered 250 youths and women with N50 million.

Mr Danladi launched the empowerment programme in Ringim during Governor Umar Namadi’s visit to Ringim Local Government Area for the weekly state government’s initiative “Government and Citizens’ Engagement.”

The commissioner said the gesture was to complement state government efforts in youth employment, job creation and poverty alleviation.

He added that the gesture was also aimed at assisting some of the beneficiaries to expand their business, and others to start a business of their choice.

The commissioner disclosed that each of the beneficiaries would receive N250,000.

Reacting, the governor lauded the commissioner’s gesture, which he said aligns with his administration’s 12-point agenda, particularly on empowerment, job creation and poverty reduction.

Mr Namadi, who described efforts at addressing poverty as essential in accelerating economic growth and employment, stressed the importance of skills acquisition and creating an enabling business environment to achieve the desired goals.

The governor urged elected officials, political office holders, business leaders, and wealthy individuals to emulate the gesture by empowering those around them to drive growth and development. 

(NAN)