By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

No fewer than 1,200 women and youths in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been empowered with vocational skills and financial support under the Renewed Hope empowerment initiative of the Tinubu/Uba Sani Mobilisation Network.

The programme, aimed at promoting economic self-reliance and grassroots development, comes amid ongoing Federal Government infrastructure projects in Kaduna State, including the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Highway reconstruction, the Mando–Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road project, the Kano–Kaduna Gas Pipeline, the Kaduna Light Rail Project and the Ibadan–Kaduna–Kano Railway.

Beneficiaries and stakeholders at the event commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani for ongoing infrastructure development, describing the projects as key drivers of economic growth, job creation and improved living standards.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held on Saturday at LEA Primary School, Rigachikun, former Sole Administrator of Igabi Local Government Area, Jafar Murtala Sabo, described the ongoing projects as among the most significant public investments in Kaduna State’s history.

According to him, the projects are expected to accelerate socio-economic development and create new opportunities for residents across the state.

The beneficiaries had completed a three-month skills acquisition programme organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of the Tinubu/Uba Sani Mobilisation Network.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman and Convener of the network, Hon. Abdulmuninu Aminu Zaria, said the initiative reflects the commitment of the federal and state leadership to empowering citizens through sustainable economic opportunities.

He said participants were trained in eight vocational areas and provided with financial support to help them establish and expand small businesses.

“We trained them in various skills and provided financial support to help them become self-reliant and productive members of society,” he said.

Zaria commended Governor Uba Sani for his developmental initiatives in Kaduna State and appreciated individuals and organisations that supported the programme.

In her remarks, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Hajiya Falmata Abacha, described the graduation ceremony as a milestone for beneficiaries, noting that it complements government efforts in poverty reduction and skills development.

She said the Kaduna State Government had continued to implement social intervention programmes targeting women, youths and persons with disabilities in line with its inclusive governance agenda.

Representing the Zazzau Emirate Council, Alhaji Abdullahi Jumare commended the organisers for their commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Hadiza Muhammad expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani and the organisers for what she described as life-changing opportunities.

She said participants acquired practical skills in catering, home farming, computer operations, paint production, bedsheet making and other vocational trades, pledging to use the training and financial support to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.

The beneficiaries also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting economic empowerment and social inclusion.