Abuja, Jan.24, 2024: The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Mr Uba Maigari, has reiterated government`s commitment to women empowerment and the development of the entrepreneurial sector.
Maigari said that government was determined to sustain the impact made by development partners in growing Nigeria`s economy.
He made this known on Tuesday in Abuja, at closing out ceremony of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Women`s Empowerment in Northern Nigeria (Nigeria WAY) project, implemented in Bauchi State
The seven year project which was facilitated by the Mennonite Economic Development Association (MEDA) and funded by Global Affairs Canada, supported businesses operated by women and youths in the processing sector of three main value chain rice, peanut and soybean.
“ Our commitment to sustaining the entrepreneurial spirit and empowering women
remains resolute.
“ The Nigeria Way project has been a beacon of hope illuminating the path towards youth entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
“Together we have witnessed the transformation of lives, establishment of sustainable businesses, and the empowerment of women who are the backbone of our communities,“ he said.
He described the success of the project implemented in seven local government areas of Bauchi as a demonstration of the resilience of the communities and a result of the common vision of the partnership.
He said that the partnership aligns with one of President Bola Tinubu`s seven point agenda, on attainment of shared goals and vision via transformational leadership.
“This close out event symbolises the culmination of a cooperative effort-an effort that has demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving positive change.
“ Let this be a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, each bringing our unique strength to the table, “ he said
Speaking,the Country Project Manager of MEDA, Grace Fosen, stated that the project provided financial assistance to foster the growth of women businesses.
Fosen added that beneficiaries particularly the youths, were supported in Mini-Agro equipment fabrication aimed at promoting the manufacturing of local indigenous agro-technologies.
She said that more than 9000 women and youths have acquired productive technologies for their business, and more than 15,000 have received technical assistance to bolster economic and climate resilience.
In her remarks, Djifa Ahado, Counselor, Head of Development and Cooperation, Canadian High Commission in Nigeria, expressed commitment to partnering with Nigeria to alleviate poverty and to support projects that create jobs for women and youths in the agriculture value chain.
