The Niger State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Haruna Abubakar Arafat Magaji, has pledged to reshape the narrative of entrepreneurship and skill acquisition across the state.
He made this commitment during the flag-off ceremony of a vocational training and skills acquisition programme for 100 intending entrepreneurs, held at the Niger State Job Creation Centre in Minna, the state capital.
Describing the Job Creation Centre as a “significant milestone,” Hon. Arafat emphasized that the initiative aligns with the vision of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s administration to equip Nigerlites with practical skills that transcend traditional limitations.
According to him, the centre is designed to nurture “builders of businesses” who can provide solutions to societal challenges and create sustainable job opportunities.
“The Niger State Job Creation Centre is a place where dreams are realized, potential is harnessed, creativity is encouraged, ideas are exchanged, and capacity is built,” the Commissioner stated.
He further assured the participants referred to as potential graduate entrepreneurs that the Ministry would support them beyond training by linking them to production processes and market access.
The commissioner encouraged them to form cooperative societies, noting that such structures would position them to benefit from support programs, including funding from the Bank of Industry.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry urged the trainees to remain focused and passionate about learning their chosen skills.
She stressed that dedication to the programme would not only make them self-reliant but also enable them to contribute meaningfully to the development of society.
The event concluded with a group photograph session, bringing together the Commissioner’s entourage and the 2026 first batch of intending entrepreneurs admitted to the centre.