From Paul Orude Bauchi
Wife of the President, Hajia Aishatu Buhari, through her pet project, “Future Assured”, has graduated the first batch of 1,000 beneficiaries of the women and youths empowerment programme in Bauchi State.
The programme was facilitated by the Bauchi State Commission for Youths and Women Rehabilitation and Development (BACYWORD).
Beneficiaries were selected from different women and youth groups in three Local Governments of Katagum, Ningi and Toro in the state.
Mrs Buhari, who spoke at the closing ceremony of the skill acquisition programme at the multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall in Bauchi, yesterday, said over 10,000 youths and women have, so far, benefited from the skill acquisition training programme, under her pet project.
She said most of the beneficiaries have become owners of businesses and entrepreneurs.
She also disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the N500 billion for Social Safety Network initiated by the president for the poor and less privileged persons in the country.
The wife of the president said the turn out of women and youths for the skill acquisition programme in Bauchi portrayed their interest in income generation.
Mrs Buhari said the economy of the nation will benefit from the scheme, as each beneficiary will get a starter pack.
“I want to urge the beneficiaries of this laudable skill acquisition programme to make use of the skills, become employers of labour and solve their immediate financial challenge.
“Before I got married, I had only a secondary school certificate, so I am encouraging women to acquire education on time in order not to miss out on laudable interventions by the government. This administration will continue to champion the cause of women and children in the areas of education, health, entrepreneurship, particularly those in disadvantaged positions,” she said.
Earlier, Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, commended the wife of the president for the women and youths empowerment programme in the state.