Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State has called on political leaders in the state to prioritise youth empowerment as a means of tackling poverty and reducing unemployment.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking on Monday at Gwamnatin Da Jama’a, a government–public engagement forum in Ringim LGA, Namadi stressed that addressing poverty is key to boosting economic growth and creating jobs.
The Governor highlighted skills development and a supportive business environment as vital components for long-term prosperity.
During the event, Auwal Sankara, commissioner for humanitarian and special duties, disbursed ₦50 million in empowerment grants to 250 youths and women, receiving ₦250,000 to start or expand their businesses.
Sankara, who is from Ringim, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the governor’s 12-point agenda for the state’s development.
Commending the commissioner’s initiative, Namadi reiterated that political leaders, elected officials, and business stakeholders must actively support youth-focused programmes to break the cycle of poverty.
In April, the Governor had also cautioned against former defence minister Theophilus Danjuma’s call for citizens to arm themselves for self-defence, warning that such a move could lead to anarchy.
