5,384 beneficiaries men and women drawn from different parts of Kano each received ₦150,000 to either start new businesses or expand existing ventures on Tuesday.
The funds were disbursed following the launch of the first tranche of the Kano State youth empowerment programme involving more than ₦800 million disbursed to support young entrepreneurs across the state.
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf speaking at the flag off ceremony said the initiative reflects his administration’s determination to improve the lives of young people and make them active players in the state’s business and economic landscape.
“We are committed to creating opportunities that will enable our youths to grow their ventures and secure a better future,” he said, urging the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously.
The governor also appealed to those who did not benefit in the first round to exercise patience, assuring them that the second tranche of disbursements will soon follow.
He reaffirmed that empowering young people remains a central policy thrust of his government, stressing that sustained support for entrepreneurship would help reduce unemployment and foster sustainable livelihoods in Kano.
The programme, analysts say, could provide a cushion against rising joblessness in the state, while also boosting small-scale enterprises that are the backbone of Kano’s commercial life.
