Urges Beneficiaries to Embrace Self-Reliance
Niger North Senator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, has distributed skill acquisition starter packs to 200 trained constituents, reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development.
The distribution, facilitated through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), took place on Saturday in Kontagora, marking the graduation of participants who completed a three-month intensive vocational training.
Beneficiaries received starter packs across various trades including barbing, phone repairs, tailoring, shoemaking, catering, hairdressing, and liquid soap production. Motorcycles were also presented to some trainees, while persons with disabilities received specially customized tricycles and mobility aids to enhance their productivity.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Shehu S. Pawa, Chairman of Kontagora Local Government, commended Senator Bello for ensuring that empowerment went beyond training to providing the tools needed for practice. He prayed for the Senator’s continued strength in advancing initiatives that directly impact lives.
Community leader, Alhaji Maman Ahmadu, stressed the importance of skills acquisition in tackling unemployment. He noted that government employment cannot absorb even one percent of the population, urging beneficiaries to seize the opportunity:
Also speaking, the Niger North APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Yahya Borgu, who represented the State Party Chairman, praised Senator Bello’s consistency in delivering empowerment programs and commended his inclusive style of leadership.
“Those of you empowered today should count yourselves fortunate. Use these opportunities not only to sustain yourselves and your families, but to create value for your communities,” he said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Shehu Danyaya, a former Secretary to the Niger State Government who represented the Senator, congratulated the beneficiaries. He emphasized that successful entrepreneurs in vocational trades often earn more than salaried government workers.
The event climaxed with a symbolic presentation, as students of Government Secondary School, Wushishi, honoured Senator Bello with an Award of Recognition for his dedication to youth empowerment, human development, and quality representation.
