Governor Umar Namadi has launched a new women empowerment initiative in Jigawa State to boost the traditional cap embroidery trade. The programme, flagged off on Friday morning at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Dutse, provided support to 1,400 women drawn from seven local government areas under the Dutse Emirate.
The scheme marks the first phase of a wider empowerment drive designed to strengthen the cultural and economic relevance of cap embroidery, a craft deeply rooted in the history of Jigawa and mainly practiced by women.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Namadi emphasised the importance of the trade to local livelihoods and family stability. “This emirate is well known for the craft of cap embroidery,” he said. “Through this craft, many have earned a livelihood, supported their families, and maintained peaceful homes.”
He explained that the government’s support package includes working tools to enhance productivity. “With this support, a woman who could previously produce five to ten caps will now be able to multiply that number,” the governor noted. He added that empowering women economically remains essential for peace and stability in households and communities.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, on Friday, October 3, the administration also revealed plans to restructure the trade into a sustainable industry. According to the governor, the government intends to establish two production clusters where women can collaborate, improve their skills, and access both local and international markets.
“Our plan is to create two production clusters where finished caps can be collected and distributed to broader markets, not just within Jigawa, but across Nigeria and internationally,” he said.
Governor Namadi described the programme as a strategy to drive poverty reduction and economic development across the state. He stressed that the next phases of the initiative will expand to other areas, ensuring more women benefit from the opportunities.
“This initiative will not only empower the individual women involved, but also uplift their families and communities. Over time, we aim to position Jigawa’s cap embroidery craft as a globally recognized industry,” the governor affirmed.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives, and hundreds of the beneficiaries.
