Senator Abubakar Sani Bello Champions Self-Reliance with Graduation of 177 Beneficiaries of his Skill Acquisition Program who underwent training at the Minna Institute of Technology and Innovation
In a monumental stride toward fostering self-reliance among the youth and women of Niger North, Distinguished Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over the graduation ceremony for 177 beneficiaries of his Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Program who underwent training at the Minna Institute of Technology and Innovation. This first batch of graduates were equipped with valuable skills in trades such as tailoring, catering, hairdressing, painting, carpentry, and poultry farming.
Senator Sani Bello, driven by a vision to uplift his people, underscored the importance of empowering individuals with practical skills to foster economic independence.
“This initiative was launched to equip our youth and women with the tools they need to earn a living and support their families, by harnessing our abundant natural resources and human potential, we can transform our region into an economic powerhouse.”
Emphasizing the urgent need for such programs, Senator Sani Bello passionately spoke about altering the narrative surrounding the North.
“The popular narrative is that we are beggars, but I know northerners are hardworking. The challenge lies in the disparity of opportunities, Our region is blessed with vast natural resources, fertile lands, and human potential that, if properly leveraged, can make us the wealthiest in Nigeria.”
Senator Sani Bello pledged continued support to the graduates, promising essential materials like POP cement to help the painting and POP graduates start their businesses. He urged them to utilize their new skills to uplift their communities and become catalysts for change.
Addressing the ongoing tax reform debates, Senator Sani Bello expressed his belief in the resilience of his people.
“While some reforms may pose challenges, they also present opportunities for growth. Hard work and determination will enable us to overcome these hurdles and emerge stronger,” he said.
He encouraged the citizens to embrace these reforms as a pathway to greater self-sufficiency and prosperity.
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, commended Senator Sani Bello’s unwavering commitment to the empowerment of his constituents.
“Senator Sani Bello’s initiatives in education, infrastructure, and economic empowerment are a testament to his visionary leadership,” the Speaker noted, announcing a cash donation of ₦100,000 each to beneficiaries from Mariga Local Government Area and an additional ₦2 million to the rest of the graduates.
Alhaji Aminu Yusuf, Co-Chairman of the Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Committee, praised Senator Sani Bello’s extensive support throughout the training program, which included accommodation, feeding, and training fees among others
The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the transformative impact of the program. Hassana Abdullahi Naisa from Kontagora, who trained as an artisan, shared how the program had revolutionized her life. Mohd Awwal Salihu from Borgu lauded the senator’s initiative for rescuing many from unemployment, while Habiba Aliyu from Wushishi highlighted the program’s positive effect on family stability.
The second batch of the program is set to commence later this month, with another graduation scheduled for June.
