Kaduna State Enterprises Development Agency (KADEDA) has commenced the disbursement of N810 million in start-up capital to 4,050 artisans trained and certified by the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development.
The agency disclosed this yesterday in a statement signed by its managing director/chief executive officer, Iliya Timbuark, saying the funds were approved by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, following the beneficiaries’ successful completion of their training and certification.
According to the statement, the beneficiaries were trained across the three campuses of the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development in various trades.
It said the financial support was aimed at bridging the gap between skills acquisition and economic productivity by providing the beneficiaries with capital to establish or expand their businesses.
KADEDA said the disbursement was being carried out through a secure digital payment system to promote transparency and accountability and ensure direct delivery of the funds to the intended beneficiaries.
The agency explained that the digital payment system was designed to eliminate bottlenecks and prevent interference in the disbursement process.
It said the initiative was part of the state government’s efforts to empower youths, strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and stimulate economic activity at the grassroots.
The agency added that the programme would facilitate the transition of trained artisans from skills acquisition to enterprise development, with the potential to create businesses and employment opportunities across the state.
KADEDA said each of the 4,050 beneficiaries would receive a cash grant of N200,000 to enable them to establish or expand businesses in their respective trades.
