PDP chieftain empowers 42,000 women, youths in Kaduna State

Alhaji Lawal Usman, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain, has equipped approximately 42, 000 women and young people in Kaduna State with skills to enable them to start their own businesses.

Usman, also known as ‘Mr LA,’ told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria that the beneficiaries were taught various skills such as tailoring, welding, jewelry making, and baking.

“Through our skills acquisition program, we have empowered over 42,000 women and youths this year alone.”

“These people were given start-up packages in the form of money and tools to help them start businesses and become self-sufficient,” he explained.

Usman also stated that he had provided scholarships to 500 students at tertiary institutions throughout the state in order for them to complete their studies.

“In 2021, we will have disbursed approximately N50 million to approximately 500 students from tertiary institutions in the state.”

“Some of the students were impacted by the State Government’s increase in school fees.

“They were on the verge of dropping out because their parents couldn’t afford the new fees,” he explained. “But we felt we had to salvage the situation by paying the fees.”

Usman stated that the gesture was intended to touch the lives of the recipients and encourage them to contribute their fair share to the development of society.

“So many factors contributed to my decision to launch the program. For starters, I rose from humble beginnings to where I am today, and I believe that there is reward in helping others.”

In Islam, the giver is always regarded as superior, and no one can quantify the amount of reward for charitable giving except the Almighty.

“I may not receive any benefit from the beneficiaries, but it is possible that my children or great grandchildren will reap the benefit, I’m not sure.” Finally, he stated, “Charity is a legacy that I want to be remembered for when I die.”

Usman stated that he decided to focus his charity on empowerment because it was the only way to help people develop.

“The best thing you can do for people is to educate them or teach them skills that will allow them to become self-sufficient.”

“That’s why I’m always trying to empower people across the state,” he explained.