Zamfara Trains 1,600 Youths, Rehabilitates Skills Centres With N1.3bn

By Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha The Zamfara State Government has committed over N1.3 billion to train 1,600 youths in various vocational skills and rehabilitate skills acquisition centres across seven local government areas of the state. Governor Dauda Lawal made this known during the official launch of the training programme yesterday at the newly renovated Skills Acquisition […]

By Al-Mustapha A. Mustapha

The Zamfara State Government has committed over N1.3 billion to train 1,600 youths in various vocational skills and rehabilitate skills acquisition centres across seven local government areas of the state.

Governor Dauda Lawal made this known during the official launch of the training programme yesterday at the newly renovated Skills Acquisition Centre in Gidan Dawa, Gusau, the state capital.

The programme, implemented under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), is part of a broader federal initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion and empowering micro-entrepreneurs, artisans, and petty traders to stimulate economic growth and alleviate poverty.

Governor Lawal, said over N620 million was earmarked specifically for the skills acquisition training, covering stipends, training materials, equipment, and other logistics. The beneficiaries include both men and women, with a special focus on the youth and vulnerable groups.

“I am pleased to officially flag off the first phase of this training for 1,600 young people drawn from Anka, Gusau, Gumi, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Talata Mafara, and Tsafe local government areas,” he said.

He added that each participant will undergo a three-month intensive training after which they will receive starter packs in their respective areas of specialisation to enable them to start small-scale enterprises.

Governor Lawal also disclosed that while N220 million was expended on renovating six training centres across the state, an additional N500 million was used to overhaul and equip the Gidan Dawa Skills Acquisition Centre, which now serves as the central hub for the initiative.

“This investment reflects our government’s commitment to building a self-reliant and economically empowered generation of Zamfara youths,” he said.

The governor further stated that the programme is part of a long-term plan to empower up to 45,000 youths across Nigeria by 2027 through strategic skill development and entrepreneurship support.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara and the state coordinator of GEEP urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and apply the knowledge gained to transform their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

This is one of the empowerment programme of several economic recovery efforts being pursued by the Lawal administration to tackle unemployment and improve livelihoods in Zamfara State.