In a landmark visit to Jigawa State, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, arrived in Dutse on Tuesday, where he spearheaded the commissioning and launch of various developmental projects executed in the state.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa warmly welcomed the VP, with large crowds lining the streets and attending various events. The Vice President’s one-day visit underscored significant strides in economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement, marking a new era for the state.
The day started with Governor Namadi, along with other top government functionaries, welcoming the Vice President at the Dutse International Airport. From there, he directly proceeded to Madobi village in the outskirts of Dutse, where he commissioned a 20,000-hectare sprinkler-based solar-powered irrigation scheme.
The VP also commissioned a 100 KVA solar-energy power supply for Dutse Markets.
At the Aminu Kano Triangle, the Vice President launched the 4th Expanded National MSME Clinics, a pivotal initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and the development of small and medium-scale enterprises. This program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on creating an environment for inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
“We are delighted that this also aligns with our agenda for Greater Jigawa,” stated Governor Namadi. “We have mobilized over 100 MSMEs, including startups and home-based entrepreneurs, to participate in today’s clinic. This is a rare opportunity for MSMEs to access a wide range of business development services.”
Vice President Shettima revealed that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has created over 300,000 businesses through various small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) interventions, aiming to create over one million job opportunities, especially for youth and women across the country.
He commended Governor Namadi for the good leadership he has been providing in Jigawa State, as evidenced by his efforts to create jobs and sustainable livelihoods for his people.
In Fanisau, at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, the Vice President’s visit continued with the flag-off of the training of 1,000 youths on artificial intelligence tagging and blockchain technology, in partnership with GLUWA. Governor Namadi praised this initiative, noting that Jigawa State is uniquely positioned with its ICT-savvy youths and robust digital infrastructure.
“The establishment of the ICT and Digital Economy Agency underscores our determination to make Jigawa a major ICT hub in Nigeria,” Governor Namadi remarked. “This Outsourcing Initiative will open up new opportunities, reduce unemployment, and position Jigawa as a center for global outsourcing services.”
Still at the NYSC Orientation Camp, the Vice President commissioned the training of 1,435 J-AGRO Agricultural Extension Agents and flagged off the distribution of agricultural inputs under the NG CARES Fadama Program, targeting over 26,000 beneficiaries. These initiatives aim to bolster food security, economic diversification, and sustainable livelihoods, contributing to the overall socioeconomic wellbeing of the state.
Governor Namadi expressed his profound gratitude to Vice President Shettima for his historic visit, which has brought numerous benefits to the people of Jigawa State, saying, “We thank Allah for this great favor to our state and appreciate the contributions of all officials involved in these interventions. We also commend the collaborative efforts of our partners, including GLUWA, and look forward to a deepened and enduring partnership.”
Other guests who graced the events alongside the VP included governors of Kaduna and Kebbi states, as well as deputy governors of Sokoto and Katsina, among other important dignitaries.
