The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has commenced training of women and youths in various skillsets with a view to making them economically self-reliant.
The 90 participants were drawn from Jigawa and Kano states to be trained in tailoring, knitting, perfume and soap making.
Speaking during the flag-off of the programme in Kano over the weekend, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, described the initiative as central and critically important to the Government Economic Recovery and Growth Plan in dryland communities.
He said the empowerment was also meant to discourage activities capable of worsening environmental degradation through illegal failing of trees for fuel and other uses.
“In a situation where our rural people depend heavily on natural resources for subsistence and survival, the need for strong advocacy for diversification in sphere of the development of our human capital cannot be overemphasized.
“In our effort to combat desertification, land degradation and drought the agency takes an approach that emphasizes poverty reduction, capacity development and sustainable livelihoods among our communities,” he said.
While congratulating the beneficiaries, the minister urged them to be dedicated during the training for their personal development.
Some of the trainees, who spoke to our reporter were delighted over the initiative, reiterating their resolve to avail themselves and for the training.
