In a decisive push to energize small businesses and create a new generation of market-ready entrepreneurs, the Niger State Government has equipped 3,000 young people with essential business and financial management skills.
The training, held in Minna, forms part of a broader collaboration between the state government, MasterCard Foundation, and the Enterprise Development Centre under the Transforming Nigerian Youth (TNY) initiative, first introduced in March.
Special Adviser to the Governor on the Social Investment Programme, Hajiya Hauwa Bako, explained that the goal is to transform 10,000 youths — with women making up a large share — through a blend of virtual and in-person sessions. The programme targets individuals aged 18 to 35, with a strong focus on helping small-scale operators formalize their businesses and expand into larger markets.
So far, 2,000 beneficiaries have completed the online phase, while nearly 1,000 attended the first in-person edition. The current batch brings total in-person trainees to 3,000.
Bako noted that 50 exceptional First Class graduates were trained earlier this year as Business Development Service Providers. These individuals now serve as mentors, guiding entrepreneurs through growth strategies, market access, and formal business registration.
She praised Governor Umaru Bago for prioritizing youth and women empowerment as a key driver of economic development in the state.
Entrepreneurship Coordinator at the Ministry for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, Alhaji Shehu Bwari, described the approach as “beyond lectures,” emphasizing its hands-on, result-oriented nature.
Mr. Yusuf Christopher, Project Coordinator at the Enterprise Development Centre, added that the programme offers ongoing mentorship and formalization support for those still in the informal sector.
Participants like Fatima Abdullahi, who envisions becoming one of Niger State’s top entrepreneurs within five years, and Fatima Hamza, who has already started implementing new growth strategies, say the experience is opening up new opportunities.
