Governor Malam Umar Namadi has launched a ₦50 million empowerment programme initiated by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Auwalu Danladi Sankara, to support 250 small-scale traders in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ringim town, the governor commended the commissioner’s “initiative and courage” in extending economic support to such a large number of beneficiaries at once. He described it as the largest empowerment initiative by any commissioner in the state’s history, calling it “commendable and worthy of emulation.”
“This is a clear indication that Hon. Auwalu is a unique and committed young politician. His service to humanity demonstrates a genuine concern for the common man,” the governor said. “Your efforts contribute meaningfully to our job creation and employment programme, which is one of our 12-point agenda.”
In his remarks, Hon. Auwalu Danladi Sankara said the initiative aligns with Governor Namadi’s vision of reducing poverty in Jigawa by 10 percent annually through job creation, economic empowerment, and improved livelihoods.
He explained that 250 traders—both men and women—drawn from all 10 political wards in Ringim LGA will each receive ₦200,000 to expand or strengthen their businesses. Twenty-five beneficiaries were selected from each ward.
“This is just one of several interventions we have undertaken, many of them without ceremony,” Sankara noted. “Our aim is to lift people out of poverty and make them self-reliant in both rural and urban areas.”
The commissioner assured that similar empowerment programmes would continue across the state under the leadership of Governor Namadi and the All Progressives Congress (APC), until the set objectives are achieved.