By Shehu Muhammad Shehu
Plan International Nigeria, through its Global Affairs Canada-funded ASPiRE Project, has distributed start-up kits to 119 adolescent girls and young women in Sokoto State to support their transition into entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.
The beneficiaries, who are members of Village Savings and Loans Associations, received the kits during a ceremony held in Sokoto as part of efforts to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and improve livelihoods within local communities.
Speaking at the event, Project Manager Murtala Bello explained that the beneficiaries had undergone intensive training in business planning and enterprise development across various vocational fields, including tailoring, hairdressing, shoemaking, graphic design, baking, photography, makeup artistry, and food services.
According to the organisers, the initiative goes beyond the provision of equipment, focusing on building confidence, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills among young women and girls.
“These start-up kits are not just materials or tools; they are investments in the skills, ideas, and potential of young women to start, manage, and grow small businesses,” a representative of the project said.
He noted that the beneficiaries were selected after participating in training programmes and a grant funding cycle during which viable business plans were reviewed and supported.
Project officials emphasized that sustainable economic empowerment requires more than access to tools, pledging continued technical assistance, mentoring, market linkages, and peer support to help participants build resilient and successful businesses.
The organisation also commended the Sokoto State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development for its partnership and commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of women and girls.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the organisers encouraged them to make effective use of the support provided, remain committed to learning, and work together to strengthen their businesses.
They further called on parents, caregivers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to continue supporting girls and young women, noting that empowering women contributes to stronger families, more resilient communities, and sustainable development.
The ASPiRE Project is designed to improve opportunities for adolescent girls and young women through skills development, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment initiatives in Sokoto and Bauchi States.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with TheNationsvoice thanked Plan International for the gesture, assuring that they would use the kits given to them to initiate their businesses and become self-reliant.