By Usman Usman Garba
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expanded his administration’s small business support initiative with the empowerment of 1,112 street hawkers, roadside traders, and vulcanisers across the state.
Each beneficiary received N50,000 to strengthen their businesses, improve working capital, and enhance their livelihoods, bringing the total value of the intervention to N55.6 million.
The empowerment was announced during the distribution of the grants at the Government House, Kano, where beneficiaries drawn from all the 44 local government areas of the state received the financial support.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, Governor Yusuf said the initiative was designed to support petty traders and help them expand their businesses.
The governor acknowledged that the financial assistance might not address all the economic challenges faced by the beneficiaries but expressed optimism that it would provide meaningful relief and improve their purchasing power.
He disclosed that the programme represented the second phase of the empowerment scheme targeting street traders, recalling that 465 beneficiaries benefited during the first phase.
Governor Yusuf also assured that another phase of the programme would be introduced before the end of the year to capture more young petty traders and further boost productivity within the informal sector.
He appreciated the beneficiaries for their continued support and confidence in his administration, saying such encouragement motivates the government to sustain policies and programmes focused on improving the welfare of citizens.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency, Hon. Ahmed Abubakar Bichi, explained that the agency was established under the Office of the Governor to improve the welfare and economic fortunes of street hawkers, roadside traders, vulcanisers, and other informal sector operators across Kano State.
