By Aminu Garko
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expanded his administration’s small business support initiative by empowering 1,112 street hawkers, roadside traders and vulcanisers with ₦50,000 each to strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The governor announced the intervention during the distribution of the grants at Government House, Kano, where beneficiaries from all 44 local government areas of the state received the support.
Governor Yusuf said the initiative was aimed at boosting the working capital of petty traders and enabling them to expand their businesses.
He acknowledged that while the amount might not solve all their financial challenges, it would provide meaningful relief and improve their purchasing power.
He disclosed that the programme was the second phase of the empowerment initiative for the category, recalling that 465 street traders benefited during the first phase.
The governor further assured that another round of the programme would be implemented before the end of the year to accommodate more young petty traders and enhance their productivity.
Governor Yusuf appreciated the beneficiaries for their continued support and confidence in his administration, noting that their encouragement motivated the government to sustain people-centred policies and programmes.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency, Ahmed Abubakar Bichi, said the agency was established under the Office of the Governor to improve the welfare and economic fortunes of street hawkers, roadside traders, vulcanisers and other operators in the informal sector across Kano State.