In a bold step toward economic empowerment, the Women’s Wing of the Maigari Youth Organization (MYO) has successfully trained 200 women and girls in various vocational skills during a multi-day workshop held at the Federal College of Education, Potiskum.
The initiative, designed to promote entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and community development, provided participants with hands-on training in the production of items such as room fresheners, liquid soap, and petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
Speaking at the event, the facilitator and Federal Character Commissioner representing Yobe State, Alhaji Jibrin Mai Gari, emphasized the importance of such programs in tackling unemployment and social vulnerability, especially among uneducated women and girls. Represented by Mamman Maje, Alh. Mai Gari highlighted that economic empowerment is key to reducing societal issues such as poverty, domestic violence, broken marriages, street hawking, child abuse, and sexual exploitation.
“This training is not just about learning skills; it is about restoring dignity and enabling women to become economically independent,” he stated. He also announced that each participant would receive a startup grant to support their journey toward entrepreneurship.
He further disclosed plans to extend similar empowerment programs to men through government-owned vocational centers in all local government areas across the state.
In her remarks, Hajia Habiba Abubakar, the women’s leader overseeing the training, described the initiative as both timely and essential, especially given the economic realities facing many households in Nigeria.
“Many women experience hardship in their marriages due to overdependence. This program gives them a chance to support their families and take ownership of their lives,” she said.
Hajia Habiba urged parents to encourage early vocational training for their children, noting that practical skills could significantly reduce future dependency and hardship.
Several beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the training, describing it as life-changing and an opportunity to break cycles of financial dependency and social vulnerability.
The well-attended event showcased practical demonstrations and attracted women and girls eager to learn, network, and take their first steps toward financial freedom.