Jigawa Govt Strengthens Support for Young Entrepreneurs
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting teenage entrepreneurs as part of efforts to nurture productive and self-reliant children from an early age.
The assurance was given by the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, during the 2025 Arewa-19 Northern States Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Culture Enthusiasts Festival, organised by Tripoint Academy and held at Hanan Hangout in Dutse, the state capital.
Represented by her Special Assistant, Hajiya Maryam Ahmed, the governor’s wife said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renew Hope Agenda and Governor Umar Namadi’s 12-Point Agenda, success particularly the pillar on job creation and economic empowerment.
She noted that the state has so far supported thousands of youths and women with cash grants and business inputs.
According to her, the administration is poised to identify children with entrepreneurial potential and provide them with training, start-up capital, and materials to develop their chosen trades—especially child-friendly businesses that can thrive within their communities.
She urged parents and guardians to encourage their children, especially girls, to embrace entrepreneurship alongside formal education.
“It is important to introduce children to entrepreneurship early. This, combined with modern ICT skills, will broaden their exposure and prepare them for the future,” she said.
Hajiya Amina commended Tripoint Academy for selecting Jigawa to host the maiden edition of the festival and for its efforts in promoting creativity among young people.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of Tripoint Academy, Hajiya Shuhda Muhammad, said the festival was designed to showcase the talents of children—especially teenage girls—in child-friendly trades. She said the event brings together creatives, entrepreneurs, and culture enthusiasts from across the 19 northern states.
“This festival celebrates the heritage, creativity, and innovation of Arewa. It is the first of its kind and will rotate annually across the northern states,” she explained.
Also speaking, the Jigawa State Coordinator of Tripoint Academy, Mrs Aisha Ilyasu Sirko, revealed that hundreds of children participated in the exhibition of their skills in various business ventures during the festival. She described the platform as a crucial step toward raising a generation of young entrepreneurs.
She commended Governor Umar Namadi, the First Lady, Baba Azimi Foundation, Hasina Confectionary and Restaurant, and Onga for supporting the successful hosting of the event.
