csrreporters 
Jigawa State has taken a bold step to strengthen its local economy with the launch of a ₦50 million empowerment programme benefiting 250 small business owners and traders in Ringim Local Government Area.
Each beneficiary will receive ₦200,000 to expand or stabilise their ventures, with funds earmarked for tools, equipment, inventory, and other essentials to boost productivity and income. Beneficiaries were selected from Ringim’s 10 political wards, with 25 recipients per ward to ensure fair representation.
Initiated by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Humanitarian Affairs, the programme forms part of the state’s economic development strategy. Governor Malam Umar Namadi hailed the commissioner’s move as “unprecedented in Jigawa’s history” and urged other political leaders to emulate such people-focused interventions.
“This is a commendable gesture that reflects true concern for the welfare of our citizens and the growth of small-scale enterprises,” the governor said at the launch.
The commissioner emphasised that the initiative aligns with Jigawa’s 12-point agenda, focusing on job creation, poverty reduction, and economic self-reliance. He noted that small businesses are a vital driver of local economies, and sustained financial interventions like this can transform livelihoods across the state.
For many recipients, the grant is more than just financial aid—it’s a lifeline to keep their businesses afloat in a challenging economic climate. Officials expect the programme to stimulate local markets, spur job creation, and contribute to Jigawa’s long-term vision of building a self-sustaining economy.
With MSMEs playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s GDP and employment, Jigawa’s grassroots empowerment model may inspire similar initiatives in other states.