Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has presented a N20 million cheque to 200 trainees of the New Niger Bread as a starter pack.
The cheque presentation was made over the weekend at the graduation ceremony of the trainees, held at the Gidan Matasa Conference Hall in Minna, the state capital.
The Governor, represented by the Special Adviser on Youth and Sports Development, Abdullahi Suleiman, said the initiative, which is unprecedented, will help develop entrepreneurial skills among the youths.
He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to youth development through skills empowerment and improved welfare.
The Governor called on youths not to allow themselves to be used as tools to disrupt the relative peace in the State.
He also enjoined everyone to continue to pray fervently for his administration as it continues to embark on people-oriented projects for the realization of the New Niger Agenda.
Commissioner for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Mrs. Elizabeth Lami Shaba, in her remarks, explained that all 200 beneficiaries were drawn from the 25 Local Government Areas of the State, adding that they were picked at random.
She said they were trained in various bread-making fields centered on skills, resources, and the production of high-quality nutritious bread of varying types.
The Commissioner further explained that the idea is for the beneficiaries to go back and share the training with other youths in their local government areas.
She appreciated the wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, and all those who have supported the New Niger Bread initiative.
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In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Niger State Revenue Service, Muhammad Estu; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Abdulberqy Usman Ebbo; and the Director General on Youth, Aminu Isah Danasabe, applauded the governor’s initiative. They reiterated that such gestures would go a long way in addressing youth restiveness and encouraged the youths to embrace innovative approaches.
Some beneficiaries interviewed on the sidelines of the event expressed their gratitude to Governor Umaru Bago for bringing them out of joblessness and promised to make judicious use of the starter packs given to them.
Meanwhile, certificates were presented to all 200 beneficiaries, and awards of excellence were also presented to individuals and other relevant stakeholders who contributed to the success of the New Niger Bread production.
