Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has distributed 7,158 red goats to 2,386 women as part of a broader empowerment initiative aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering economic independence.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, announced that this marks the second phase of the Women Empowerment Initiative under the Livestock Fattening Programme, which is a component of the Kano Agro-Pastoral Development Project.
The program, with an allocated budget of ₦2.3 billion, is targeted at alleviating poverty and providing sustainable economic opportunities for women across the 44 local government areas of Kano State.
Each beneficiary received three goats to help them venture into livestock rearing and entrepreneurship. According to Dawakin-Tofa, this initiative is not just about distributing livestock but also about integrating women into the agricultural value chain, enhancing their household income, and reducing their dependency on government aid.
“The program is a reflection of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and empowering grassroots communities to achieve economic self-sufficiency,” Dawakin-Tofa stated.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to combat poverty through innovative and inclusive strategies. He emphasized that the program’s future phases would include the distribution of 1,342 cows and 1,822 rams to women and youth in the state.
The governor cautioned beneficiaries against misusing the livestock for purposes other than those intended by the program. “Beneficiaries must show accountability and responsibility in managing the livestock provided to them,” the statement added.
This initiative has been widely lauded as a significant step toward addressing poverty, strengthening food security, and fostering economic growth, particularly in rural areas of Kano State.
The Livestock Fattening Programme aligns with the administration’s strategy to empower vulnerable populations, especially women and youth, by incorporating them into the agricultural value chain.
“The program aims to stimulate grassroots economic development by creating wealth, improving livelihoods, and reducing poverty in rural communities,” Dawakin-Tofa said.
By prioritizing initiatives like this, the Kano State government seeks to bolster economic independence, promote gender inclusion, and ensure long-term sustainability in the agricultural sector.
This empowerment initiative exemplifies the government’s commitment to addressing socioeconomic challenges and creating opportunities for its citizens to thrive.
