From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has organised a two-day workshop on pre-retirement entrepreneurship and skill development for trade union leaders across the state.
Speaking at the opening session, the Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity, Comrade Tanimu Lawal Saulawa, said the workshop was designed to equip participants with practical skills that will enable them to become self-reliant after retirement.
Comrade Saulawa explained that participants would be guided by experienced facilitators through various aspects of entrepreneurship, including business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies.
“The shift from employment to self-employment can be daunting, but with the right training and support, we can transform challenges into opportunities,” he said.
He expressed confidence that, by the end of the programme, participants would not only acquire entrepreneurship skills but also gain the ability to step down the knowledge in their respective workplaces.
Saulawa urged participants to be open-minded, share experiences, ask questions, and actively immerse themselves in the learning process.
“Use this time to network with each other, exchange ideas, and forge connections that will support your entrepreneurial journey,” he advised.
The Special Adviser commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for developing a policy document focused on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying the initiative reflects the administration’s strong commitment to economic growth, job creation, and local empowerment.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Abdu Rumah, commended the Office of the Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity for initiating the workshop, noting that such programmes would help workers prepare for self-employment after retirement.
Comrade Rumah urged civil servants in the state to embrace entrepreneurship and other income-generating skills to help them overcome economic challenges after 35 years of active service.
He also called on the state government to continue providing financial support to the Special Adviser’s office to enable the regular hosting of similar workshops.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Husaini Hamisu Yanduna, encouraged participants to replicate the entrepreneurship training in their various workplaces to broaden its impact.
