Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expanded his administration’s small business support initiative by empowering 1,116 street hawkers, roadside traders, and vulcanisers with ₦50,000 each to strengthen their businesses and improve their means of livelihood.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday.
The governor announced the intervention during the distribution of the grants at the 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 is 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 motivates the government to sustain people-centred policies and programmes.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency, Hon. 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.
Signed: Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa Director-General, Media and Publicity Government House, Kano
Butchers Empowerment Programme by His Excellency The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf: Driving Economic Growth and Improving Living Standards in Kano State
The Butchers Empowerment Programme, initiated by *His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Executive Governor of Kano State, and implemented through the **Kano State Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency, under the leadership of its *Director-General, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Bichi, represents a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the State’s informal economy and improving the livelihoods of thousands of citizens.
The programme, which empowered 1,900 butchers across the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State, involved the distribution of modern working tools and equipment to beneficiaries. This strategic intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, creating sustainable sources of income, and supporting small-scale businesses that form the backbone of Kano’s economy.
The Role of the Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency
The Kano State Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency has continued to play a pivotal role in implementing government policies designed to empower artisans, traders, and other operators within the informal sector. Under the able leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Bichi, the Agency has demonstrated its commitment to translating the vision of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into practical programmes that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
The successful execution of the Butchers Empowerment Programme highlights the Agency’s dedication to fostering economic inclusion, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable business development across Kano State.
Strengthening the Internal Economy
The livestock and meat processing sector remains one of the largest contributors to Kano State’s commercial activities. By equipping butchers with modern working tools, the programme is expected to:
• Increase productivity and operational efficiency. • Improve the quality and hygiene of meat processing. • Reduce operational costs for butchers. • Encourage business expansion and sustainability. • Strengthen local markets and commercial activities. • Stimulate growth within the informal sector.
As butchers become more productive, the economic benefits extend beyond individual businesses to livestock dealers, transporters, feed suppliers, leather processors, retailers, and other participants within the livestock value chain.
