Jigawa State recorded a remarkable turnout as 9jaFoodFiesta officially launched its free skill empowerment program at the Manpower Development Institute on Friday, 15th November 2025. More than 2,500 participants were present at the event, which aims to train 2,000 youths and women, including 200 persons with disabilities, in key vocational and ICT skills designed to expand economic opportunities across the state.
The organization described itself as a passionate non-governmental group focused on empowering Nigerian youths and women through training in ICT, Culinary Arts, Agriculture, and other vocational fields. According to the organizers, their mission is to promote self-reliance, create employment, and support community development across the country.
Before the official launch, screening of participants had already started to ensure proper documentation and a smooth training process. The early screening helped the team verify interested candidates, capture accurate information, and prepare the necessary structures for effective training sessions. During the launch event, volunteers continued the screening exercise as more participants arrived, ensuring that everyone was properly registered and guided to their specific training categories. This combined effort helped manage the large crowd of over 2,000 individuals who were eager to join the empowerment program.
The official unveiling of the Jigawa State Free Skill Empowerment Training was described as a major milestone for the state, attracting youths, women, and persons with disabilities who were ready to gain new skills that could transform their livelihoods. Several notable dignitaries attended the event, including Muhammed Galambi, representing Hon. Yusuf Galambi Ajawam of the House of Representatives, Gwaram Federal Constituency; Yakubu Mohammed Gambi, representing Hon. Yusuf Gambi Ajawan of the House of Representatives, Gwaram Federal Constituency; Alhassan Farouk, representing First Bank; Salma Abdullahi from the Ministry of Women Affairs; Usman Mas’ud Maikanti from the Ministry of Information; and Amb. Binta Lawan Umae, the 9jaFoodFiesta Jigawa State Coordinator.
During the event, the CEO of 9jaFoodFiesta delivered a welcome message focused on the importance of skill acquisition for long-term economic growth. He explained that practical skills hold more lasting value than temporary support materials, saying they give individuals the power to build sustainable income for themselves, their families, and their communities. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities and called for more partnerships and government involvement to expand the impact of the initiative. His message highlighted a guiding principle of the program, stating, “Instead of giving you fish, we will teach you how to fish.”
The statement deeply resonated with participants, many of whom said they felt renewed hope and motivation to build successful businesses from the skills they would acquire.
The launch marks the beginning of a significant empowerment journey for thousands of people across Jigawa State, as the organization expressed readiness to work closely with the state government to deliver the program effectively and continue building a skilled and self-reliant generation across Nigeria.
