In an effort to improve the economic status of women in Bauchi’s rural communities, a non-governmental organisation, Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative, has selected 200 women for a soft skills acquisition training programme.

The Bauchi State representative of the NGO, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Akuyam, explained that the initiative aimed to promote peace, unity, and development in the northern part of Nigeria. He acknowledged that the region has been ravaged by insecurity, which has had a devastating impact on the lives of its citizens. “The organisation believes that empowering women and promoting peace and unity are essential for the development of the region,” he added.

According to Akuyam, the programme is divided into two batches of 100 women each in Bauchi local government. It aims to equip beneficiaries with various skills to enhance their economic well-being and promote self-reliance, thereby fostering sustainable peace and development.

The State Women Leader, Sa’adatu Aminu Yahaya, emphasised that the programme was a neutral effort to enhance the living conditions of the Northern population, and urged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to change their lives and benefit others.

She noted that the training programme would cover various skills, including the production of air freshener, liquid soap, milk candy, local ready-to-use food (“turn brown food”), and perfume. The beneficiaries would be trained by experienced instructors who will guide them through the entire process. The programme is expected to last for two weeks, with each batch of 100 women receiving training separately.

The Initiative has partnered with Antanzil and Prestige International Schools to deliver the skills acquisition training programme. With the support of its partners, the organisation is confident that the programme will achieve its objectives and make a lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.