Ganduje's Son Launches Major Solar Empowerment Initiative in Kano
In a significant boost to agricultural and business development in Kano State, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, the Executive Director of Technical Services at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has empowered 280 farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs with solar-powered equipment. The elaborate empowerment programme, held on Sunday evening, February 8, in Kano, marks a pivotal step towards reducing fuel dependence and enhancing year-round farming capabilities for local communities.
Distribution of Solar Equipment to Boost Local Economies
During the event, Ganduje distributed 120 solar-powered irrigation pumps to young farmers and 160 solar energy systems to Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) across the Dawakin-Tofa, Tofa, and Rimin Gado federal constituency. Each beneficiary received a solar system with a capacity of approximately 1.2 kilowatts, designed to enable uninterrupted business operations and significantly reduce reliance on conventional fuel sources.
Engr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader empowerment scheme aimed at supporting both male and female youths, particularly those in rural areas whose livelihoods depend on stable electricity. He highlighted that the solar-powered irrigation pumps will allow farmers to engage in year-round agricultural activities, thereby increasing productivity and food security in the region.
Alignment with National Development Goals
Ganduje further explained that this programme aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on national and human capital development. He noted that empowering SMEs is crucial for economic growth, stating, "Nations that are economically developed got there by empowering SMEs, and that is the path we are following." This initiative represents the seventh phase of empowerment programmes executed in the constituency, with plans for more interventions in the future.
Widespread Impact and Community Support
According to Ganduje, approximately 13,947 individuals across Dawakin-Tofa, Tofa, and Rimin Gado have benefited from various empowerment initiatives so far. The solar systems are expected to support a diverse range of businesses, including barbing salons, tailoring services, POS operations, and computer-related enterprises, fostering economic resilience in the North-West region.
The event garnered commendation from local leaders, with the Deputy Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammad Bello Butu-Butu, describing the initiative as timely and impactful. He remarked, "This empowerment programme will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of our youths," while also urging unity among APC members. Similarly, the Chairman of Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Area, Hon. Anas Dan Maliki, praised the gesture and pledged to replicate such efforts at the grassroots level.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude and Optimism
Several beneficiaries shared their appreciation for the initiative, highlighting its potential to transform their businesses. Sulaiman Dan Sudu, a business centre operator, noted that the solar equipment would significantly enhance his productivity, while tailor Maman Talatu expressed relief from the persistent electricity challenges that have hampered her work. The event was attended by top APC leaders and stakeholders in Kano State, underscoring its importance in the region's socio-economic landscape.
This solar empowerment initiative not only addresses immediate energy needs but also sets a precedent for sustainable development in rural Nigeria, leveraging renewable resources to drive economic growth and community resilience.
