The Chairman of Katsina Local Government, Hon. Isah Miqdad AD Saude, has launched a training programme for 140 selected entrepreneurs from Arewa “A” Ward, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Speaking at the ceremony held at the council secretariat, Hon. Miqdad said the initiative was designed to empower small-scale business owners with modern skills to improve their trades. He explained that financial support would be provided to participants after completing the training.
“This programme is organized in partnership with SMEDAN to help you upgrade your businesses. Funding support will follow after the training. We are using Katsina Local Government funds to implement this, contrary to claims by opposition that the state government does not give councils their full entitlements,” he said.
The chairman stated that the exercise was a clear demonstration of Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda’s commitment to granting local governments full autonomy in managing their resources. He urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills learned in their business activities and assured that other constituencies in the council would also benefit from similar programmes.
Also speaking, Alhaji Baffa, the Katsina State Coordinator of SMEDAN, said the training was aimed at equipping small business operators with the knowledge to expand and sustain their ventures. He emphasized that supporting small-scale enterprises remained crucial for economic growth and job creation.
The event included paper presentations, lectures, and interactive sessions led by SMEDAN officials, focusing on strategies to strengthen small businesses and improve financial management.
Men and women entrepreneurs from Arewa “A” Ward attended the training and expressed optimism that the programme would help boost their businesses through access to new skills and financial empowerment opportunities.