Niger State’s Initiative: Cultivating Young Entrepreneurs and Turning Kids into Factory Owners
By Habiba Yahaya Minna
In a transformative effort to redefine youth development, Shehu Bawa Bwari, the Coordinator of Entrepreneurship for Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, has partnered with SBB Shoe Academy and the Nimble Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (NYEDI).
This collaboration aims to equip children aged 6 to 19 with practical training in shoe manufacturing, bag production, and baking.
During an interview with a Nigeria Daily Post correspondent at the flag-off ceremony for the three-week intensive training at the Bago New Niger Skills Acquisition Hub in Minna, Shehu Bwari emphasized that the initiative goes beyond merely engaging young minds during school breaks; it seeks to change their aspirations and perspectives on the future.
“We want our children to shift from the mindset of asking, ‘Where should I submit my CV after school?’ to envisioning, ‘How large will my factory be after graduation?'” Bwari stated.
Just three days into the training, the remarkable transformation among the young participants is already evident. Their enthusiasm, discipline, and creativity highlight the emergence of Nigeria’s future entrepreneurs.
“I believe that skills are the true driving force behind Nigeria’s future. As long as I have the time and strength, I am committed to fostering entrepreneurship in Niger State and across Nigeria,” Bwari emphasized.
This initiative embodies Governor Bago’s vision to cultivate a generation focused on creating factories rather than seeking jobs. If this momentum continues, Niger State is poised to become a central hub in Nigeria’s industrial evolution.
