News in brief:
– Governor Abba Yusuf has launched a ₦2.3 billion livestock program, distributing goats to empower Kano women.
– The initiative aims to reduce poverty, integrate women into agriculture, and promote economic self-reliance.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State recently launched the second phase of a women empowerment initiative under the Livestock Fattening Programme of the Kano Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP).
The initiative, valued at ₦2.3 billion, involves the distribution of livestock to women across Kano’s 44 local government areas. According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, the program is designed to uplift vulnerable groups, particularly women and youth, and drive economic growth from the grassroots.
Empowering women through livestock entrepreneurship
As part of the current phase, a total of 7,158 goats were distributed to 2,386 women beneficiaries, with each receiving three goats to kick-start livestock farming ventures. The program aims to integrate women into the agricultural value chain, thereby enhancing household incomes and reducing dependency on government aid.
Subsequent phases will extend the initiative to include the provision of 1,342 cows and 1,822 rams, further expanding opportunities for women and youth. Governor Yusuf emphasised his administration’s commitment to addressing poverty through innovative and inclusive approaches. “This initiative is part of our broader strategy to empower vulnerable groups and foster economic independence,” he stated during the launch.
He also cautioned beneficiaries against diverting the livestock to unintended uses, stressing the importance of accountability and responsibility to ensure the program’s long-term success.
The initiative has been widely praised for its potential to improve livelihoods, strengthen food security, and create wealth in Kano’s rural communities. Dawakin-Tofa highlighted that the program’s focus on women and youth demonstrates the administration’s dedication to sustainable development.
