Ibrahim Muhammad
Governor Malam Umar Namadi officially flagged off an empowerment programme for 1,400 women engaged in the traditional craft of cap embroidery.
Speaking at the ceremony for the official lunch of the programme held at the Banquet Hall o Government House, Dutse, Governor Namadi highlighted the deep cultural and economic importance of cap embroidery, describing it as a heritage craft that has sustained families for generations.
He said, the beneficiaries of the first phase were selected from the seven local government areas under the Dutse Emirate.
“Today is a day of pride for our people. We are supporting a craft that has a long and rich history in this emirate — a trade well known across the country,” the governor said.
He noted that cap embroidery is predominantly practiced by women, passed down from parents and grandparents, and continues to provide income and stability for many families.
“Through this craft, many people have earned wealth and livelihood, enabling them to support their families and maintain peaceful homes,” Namadi added.
The governor explained that the state government’s intervention aims to provide working tools and support materials to help women increase productivity and expand their earnings.
“With this support, a woman who used to produce five or ten caps can now multiply her output. When a woman is empowered with something productive to do, she can sustain her home and ensure peace and harmony within the household and the community,” he stated.
Governor Namadi disclosed that the empowerment initiative represents the first phase of a broader plan to restructure and industrialize the cap embroidery trade in Jigawa State.
“Our plan is to establish two production clusters where women can work, produce, and market their caps,” he explained. “From these centers, we will connect them to markets not only in Jigawa but across Nigeria and beyond. This is how the business will grow into a viable industry and become a source of pride for our state.”
He expressed optimism that the intervention would significantly enhance production capacity, transforming small-scale artisans into organized producers and creating wealth across communities.
“The impact will multiply as the beneficiaries reinvest in their families and communities. This is part of our broader commitment to poverty reduction and economic empowerment,” the governor said.
Governor Namadi assured that subsequent phases of the programme would be extended to other emirates, with the ultimate goal of positioning Jigawa’s cap embroidery as a globally recognized brand.
