To commemorate International Women’s Day 2025, the Jigawa State Government, in partnership with UNICEF, unveiled a training programme for 600 women selected from the 27 Local Government of the state.
The training programme is part of UNICEF’s global Generation Unlimited movement, which aims to connect young people with skills, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship pathways.
The programme focuses on upcycling waste straps into marketable products, mitigating climate change, and promoting economic empowerment.
Speaking while unveiling the training held on Saturday at Banquet Hall, Government House, Dutse, Wife of the Jigawa State Governor, Amina Namadi said “this collaborative initiative between UNICEF and Jigawa State Government aligns with the State’s commitment to environmental sustainability, waste-to-wealth, and women empowerment initiatives.”
She emphasised that the partnership reinforces their collective commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and women’s empowerment.
Namadi therefore noted that upcycling plastic straps into marketable products serves as a tangible solution to plastic waste management and climate change mitigation.
In a remark at the occasion, the Managing Director, Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency, Sanitarian Adamu Sabo, highlighted the importance of women’s inclusion in environmental sustainability, stating, “Women are agents of change in their families, communities, and beyond.
The MD echoed that, “Women, when empowered with education, resources, and decision-making power, they are uniquely positioned to implement practices that foster environmental conservation, waste reduction, and climate resilience.”
“The Jigawa state Government, through JISEPA, has embraced the Waste to Wealth Initiative, which transforms waste into valuable, usable, and marketable products. This initiative is creating new streams of income for women waste pickers, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs while contributing to environmental sustainability.”
Sabo stated further that the program, which draws participants from the 27 Jigawa LGs, would focus on scaling youth engagement and skills development, ensuring young people, especially women, are empowered for economic independence.
A participant, Aishatu Sabitu, from Birnin Kudu, exclusively interviewed by the PUNCH Correspondent at the event expressed her excitement about the program. “I’m thrilled to learn how to turn waste into wealth. This will not only help me financially but also contribute to a cleaner environment.” Sabitu said,
“I’m grateful for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to acquiring new skills and starting my own business,” she added.
Another participant, Hauwa Garba, Dutse resident, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m excited to learn this new skill, which will not only help me earn a living but also contribute to keeping our environment clean.”
Our correspondent reports that as the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the Jigawa state government and UNICEF collaboration in this direction is considered timely by stakeholders as the initiative would lead the way in empowering women and youths to take charge of their environment and economy.
