By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The wife of Jigawa State Governor, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, has pledged to work with all stakeholders to address the challenges of out-of-school children in the state.
She emphasized the need to improve income sources for women by expanding trades and entrepreneurship opportunities to fight poverty and illiteracy, which contribute to the growing number of out-of-school children.
Hajiya Amina made this declaration during the opening of the First Women Trade Fair at the Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse, organized by the Jigawa Women Entrepreneurs Network (JIWEN). She pointed out that illiteracy and poverty among women, especially mothers, are directly linked to the issue of children not attending school. She further stated that addressing these problems could significantly reduce social vices, including juvenile crime.
The governor’s wife commended JIWEN for their foresight in organizing the event and pledged more government support for women entrepreneurs to boost their economic independence. This initiative, she explained, aligns with Governor Umar Namadi’s twelve-point agenda, which includes supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and empowering women and youth to become productive and self-reliant.
She emphasized that with minimal support, women could manage to care for their families while contributing to reducing the number of out-of-school children in Jigawa.
She assured her readiness to collaborate with any women’s groups dedicated to addressing this issue.
Earlier, coordinator of Jigawa Women Entrepreneurs Network (JIWEN), Nuriya Haruna Bako, explained that the trade fair was part of the celebrations for Global Entrepreneurs Week.
Over seventy women’s business groups participated in the event, which was organized in partnership with Jigawa Invest, the Nigerian Women Chamber of Commerce, NiWAB, Dutse Women Entrepreneurs Wings (DWPW), Jigawa Entrepreneurs Initiative, and Food Expo Dutse.
The trade fair aimed to promote women entrepreneurs in Jigawa State and build a supportive ecosystem for women in business, both locally and globally.
Nuriya also expressed gratitude to the Jigawa Invest, Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Dutse Local Government Chairman, and Hajiya Amina for their support in making the event a success.