The Kaduna State Enterprises Development Agency (KADEDA) has begun disbursing N810 million in empowerment grants to 4,050 artisans who were trained and certified under the state’s vocational skills development program.
KADEDA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Iliya Timbuark, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.
Timbuark said the beneficiaries completed training at the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development across its three campuses, where they acquired skills in various trades.
He said Governor Uba Sani approved the funds as start-up capital for the graduates after they successfully completed their training.
Each beneficiary, he added, will receive N200,000 to establish a new business or expand an existing one.
Timbuark said the intervention would help beneficiaries move from skills acquisition to actual business ownership and productive economic activity.
He explained that the financial support would allow the beneficiaries to immediately put their skills to work, create jobs and contribute to Kaduna’s economic growth.
The KADEDA boss said the agency was using a secure digital payment system to disburse the funds, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.
He added that the system would transfer the money directly to beneficiaries while eliminating unnecessary delays, bottlenecks and interference.
According to Timbuark, the initiative reflects Sani’s commitment to empowering young people, revitalizing the state’s economy and strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises.
He reaffirmed KADEDA’s commitment to supporting nano, micro, small and medium enterprises across Kaduna State.
Timbuark said the agency was particularly pleased to help 4,050 trained individuals transition from skills development into business owners and potential employers.
He described the intervention as the fulfilment of the governor’s promise to support beneficiaries beyond training by providing the capital required to turn their skills into sustainable enterprises.
