BY AKUDORO GLORIA

In a significant move aimed at promoting youth empowerment and economic sustainability, the Executive Director, Technical Services, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, has distributed 160 units of solar home systems to small-scale business operators across the Dawakin-Tofa/Tofa/Rimin-Gado Federal Constituency in Kano State.

According to the statement signed on Sunday in Abuja, by the Chief Press Secretary to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Edwin Olofu, the beneficiaries are all members of APC, which include: POS operators, phone charging service providers, barbers, tailors, and other entrepreneurs drawn from 38 wards within the constituency.

The empowerment programme, which took place over the weekend, was described as a critical intervention to help young entrepreneurs reduce operating costs and boost income, especially amid rising energy challenges.

Speaking during the event, Engr. Umar who is the son of former Kano State Governor and current APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said his focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

“This initiative is aimed at promoting youth self-reliance and economic development. By supporting SMEs, we are building the foundation for long-term prosperity and reducing poverty,” Umar said.

He added that solar power offers a cost-effective alternative to fuel, enabling small businesses to operate more efficiently.

“We identified your businesses and chose to support you because SMEs are the bedrock of any thriving economy, even in developed nations,” he added. “We will continue to support President Tinubu’s vision to transform Nigeria through grassroots empowerment,” he said.

The Managing Director of the REA, Engr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, in his remarks, applauded Engr. Umar’s unwavering commitment to addressing power challenges in Kano. He noted that Umar has successfully facilitated the installation of 1 megawatt of solar energy at major institutions including Bayero University Kano (BUK), Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Dangote University of Science and Technology, and Kano Polytechnic.

The Director General of Engr. Umar’s campaign team, Dr. Junaid Tofa, also commended his consistent efforts toward community development.

He highlighted previous interventions, including the installation of over 500 solar-powered streetlights and regular distribution of food items across the constituency.

Umar concluded by promising more inclusive empowerment initiatives, especially targeting women, designed to further enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people.