Sokoto First Lady empowers 300 women through vocational training

The First Lady of Sokoto State, Dr. Hajiya Fatima Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, presided over a graduation ceremony for 300 women who completed a state-sponsored vocational training program. The initiative, which involved an investment of over N150 million, provided training in six artisanal trades: tailoring, knitting, weaving, henna artistry, beadwork, and shoe/bag manufacturing.

To support the transition to entrepreneurship, the state provided tailored empowerment packages. Participants in tailoring and knitting received machinery and a N20,000 cash grant, while those in shoe and bag manufacturing received N100,000 in start-up capital. Beneficiaries in bead making, henna artistry, and weaving were provided with N50,000 grants. Dr. Fatima urged the graduates to utilize their skills to build businesses rather than selling off their equipment and grants.