Birnin Kebbi — Hundreds of women and youths in Kebbi State have received a major economic boost after the Special Assistant to Governor Nasir Idris on New Media, Abuzaidu Abubakar Yari, launched a business empowerment programme that distributed cash grants to beneficiaries in his community.
The initiative, which began with 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦10,000 each to strengthen their small businesses, quickly expanded into a ₦6.9 million empowerment programme following generous donations from government officials and philanthropists.
The distribution exercise, held at Makera/Illela in Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, attracted top government officials and community leaders, who praised the initiative as a practical step toward reducing poverty and promoting grassroots economic development.
Speaking at the event, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Chika, revealed that the programme exceeded its initial target after several well-meaning individuals contributed additional funds. He personally sponsored 200 extra beneficiaries, while Anas Nasir Idris, son of Governor Nasir Idris, donated ₦2 million to support the exercise.
Other contributors, including Alhaji Ghazali Hassan Maccido and Alhaji Abubakar Tuleje, also provided financial support that enabled 40 more beneficiaries to be added to the scheme.
The commissioner commended Abuzaidu Yari for initiating the programme, describing it as a reflection of Governor Nasir Idris’ vision of encouraging public office holders to directly improve the welfare of their constituents through economic empowerment.
He said the state government remained grateful for the continued support of the people of Kebbi and assured residents that the administration would sustain the delivery of development projects and programmes across every part of the state.
In his remarks, Abuzaidu Abubakar Yari said the empowerment initiative was designed to complement Governor Idris’ efforts at improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities for ordinary citizens.
He explained that supporting small-scale traders with startup and working capital would help strengthen local businesses, improve household incomes and stimulate community development.
The governor’s aide also pledged to expand the programme in the future to accommodate more beneficiaries, urging recipients to invest the money wisely in profitable ventures that would improve their standard of living.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Malam Zayyanu Umar and Malama Kulu Aliyu, expressed gratitude for the gesture, describing it as timely support for their businesses. They pledged to make productive use of the funds and offered prayers for the continued success of the Kebbi State government and the country.
The empowerment programme is the latest in a series of grassroots initiatives aimed at boosting entrepreneurship, supporting small businesses and expanding economic opportunities across Kebbi State.
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