By Salisu Maradun

Gusau—About 16,106 youths have so far been trained on skills acquisition by the former Zamfara State governor, Ahmad Sani, in a bid to reduce poverty in the state.

Alhaji Ahmad Sani, who is the Yariman Bakura, represents Zamfara West Senatorial District.

He said that the youths were trained on various skills and provided with equipment to enable them fend for themselves.

Speaking with Vanguard at the graduation ceremony of some beneficiaries in Talata-Mafara town, Sani said the beneficiaries were drawn from Talata-Mafara, Bakura, Bukkuyum and Gummi local government areas.

According to him, 6,800 were trained in 2012; 5,104 in 2013, while 4,292 received their training last year, bringing the total number of those trained to 16,106 males and females.

The Senator further said that his decision to train the youths was informed by the level of poverty affecting the generality of the people from the area as a result of unemployment.

He said the male beneficiaries were trained as tailors, knitters, photographers/ video producers, shoe/bag makers as well as electricians, hand pump repairers and electricians among others even as most of the female beneficiaries were trained in the areas home economics among others.