Niger State Government has commenced a financial literacy training programme for 6,000 youths across the 25 Local Government Areas in the state.

The training is part of the government’s efforts to empower youths with skills and knowledge to enhance their businesses and productivity.

Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Social Investment Programme, Hajiya Hauwa Bako said the programme was an opportunity for the youths to acquire skills and knowledge that will enable them to improve their businesses and livelihoods.

She advised the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and make the most of the opportunity to better their lots.

“A door has been opened, and they should grab it and better their future,” she said.

She urged them to concentrate and be attentive, noting that there are many opportunities coming up with the training session.

According to her, human capital development is at the centre heart of New Niger as the vision of Governor Bago, and building the capacities of youths and women as drivers of development.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Micro-Small and Enterprise, Lady Helen Umaru emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s world, where there are no more white-collar jobs.

She advised the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the program to empower themselves and better their livelihoods.

In her remarks, Mrs Mary Noel Berje, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Women and Affirmative Action, said the programme was aimed at empowering women through a financial literacy to promote economic growth and development.

She emphasised the importance of financial literacy knowledge in today’s world, saying that acquiring financial literacy knowledge was a global trend.

Berje expressed optimism that the programme would address the issue of women being left behind, providing them with opportunities to improve their economic status.

Similarly, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprise and Micro Finance Agency, Malam Ahmed Gwada explained that the training focuses on women between the ages of 18 and 35 years to improve their capabilities on business development.

He noted that the training would enable the beneficiaries to enhance and upscale their businesses, and also impact on other people who want to improve their businesses.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Fatima Rufai and Aisha Bosso, expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity, stating that the programme has been impactful in teaching them how to start and manage a business.

It will be recalled that Niger state government in partnerships with MasterCard Foundation and Enterprise Development Centre has in March launched an online and offline training tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY).

The programme was to train 10,000 youths, particularly young women, 60 per cent online and 40 per cent offline training, targeting 80 per cent young female and 20 per cent male entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35.