The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, says human capital development remains central to addressing socio-economic challenges in Northern Nigeria.
Yahaya stated this at an empowerment programme organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, on Sunday in Malumfashi, Katsina State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1,000 beneficiaries from Malumfashi and Kafur Local Government Areas received N300,000 each as starter support to boost small-scale enterprises and promote self-reliance.
Yahaya said the intervention would contribute significantly to strengthening local economies and offering hope to vulnerable populations.
He said the empowerment initiative aligned with the collective resolve of northern governors to promote economic independence among citizens, noting that it also supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This support provides a solid foundation for the beneficiaries to establish small businesses that can enhance self-reliance and unlock economic prosperity,” he said.
Yahaya, who spoke on behalf of Governors Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina and Uba Sani of Kaduna, commended Masari for what he described as a timely and impactful gesture.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, commended Masari for demonstrating leadership through practical efforts aimed at reducing poverty.
He said the initiative was worthy of emulation, especially at a time when innovative solutions were needed to address economic hardship.
Former Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Bello Aminu Masari, urged beneficiaries to utilise the support judiciously and invest in productive ventures that would improve their livelihoods.
In his remarks, Masari, who convened the programme, said the initiative was designed to support people to become self-sufficient and eventually employers of labour.
He said the intervention was part of ongoing efforts to support communities in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to expand opportunities for all Nigerians.
