Dass – Bauchi state chapter of a non-governmental organization on Sunday graduated about 500 women it trained on different trades to enable them become self-reliant.
The organization, Hausa/Fulani Youth Development and Orientation Forum (HAFYDOF), had organised one month training for the women in Dass town on the production of air freshener, pomade, shoes, bags, beads, shampoo, body spray and detergents, among other trades.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Dass town, chairman of Bauchi chapter of the forum, Alhaji Musa Dambam, said the women were targeted because they were the weaker sex and needed to be empowered economically to become self-reliant.
He therefore urged the beneficiaries of the training to share the knowledge gained with other women that were not privileged to participate.
In his speech, Chairman of Bauchi State Commission for Youth and Women Development, Mr Umar Gwadabe, promised that the state government would assist the beneficiaries with capital to start their respective trades.
“We intend to be in Dass for similar training being conducted across the 20 local government areas of the state; we will support participants with seed capital to enable them kick-start their businesses.
“The list of all the beneficiaries of this training should be forwarded to the commission for further action,” he said.
In his remarks, the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Othman Bilyaminu, commended HAFYDOF for the initiative and urged other organisations to do same.
In his goodwill message, National President of the Forum, Mr Abduaziz Tabibi, urged people of the state to patronize home-made products.
In their separate remarks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Zuwaira Mohammed and Lubabatu Dauda, thanked the Forum and promised to spread the skills acquired.