The Union of Tsangaya Qur’anic Reciters, Nasarawa state, has empowered 200 Almajiris with various start-up tools and financial assistance as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and improve their socio-economic wellbeing.
Speaking on the initiative, on Sunday in Lafia, chairman of the Union, Gwani Ahmad Isa Gwani, said the programme was designed to complement Qur’anic education with economic empowerment.
He explained that the initiative would provide Almajiris with practical means of livelihood after completing their Qur’anic studies, while reducing dependency and promoting dignity of labour.
According to him, the objective was not merely to provide immediate assistance, but to build a culture of self-reliance, legitimate earnings and economic independence among young Qur’anic students.
Gwani called on government agencies, traditional rulers, individuals and organisations to support similar initiatives, stressing that sustainable empowerment would improve the welfare of Almajiris and further strengthen the role of Qur’anic education in community development.
Speaking, chairman of Lafia local government council, Hon. Mohammed Haliru Arabo, commended the Union for initiating the empowerment programme.
He described the initiative as a commendable effort towards improving the socio-economic wellbeing of Almajiris, noting that the start-up tools and financial support would enable beneficiaries to become productive and self-reliant after their Qur’anic education.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items and financial assistance provided to establish sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Aliyu Bello, pledged to facilitate vocational training for 100 Almajiris at the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational Training Centre.
Describing vocational education as an important avenue for equipping young people with practical skills and creating opportunities for economic independence.
Also speaking, the Emir of Lafia and chairman of the Nasarawa state council Sidi Mohammed Bage I, JSC (Rtd.), represented by the Makungujin Lafia, Hassan Wakili, described the programme as timely and commendable.
