In an effort to empower women to become self-reliant and employers of labour, 50 women in Wuntin Dada community of Bauchi State have completed a six-month intensive skills acquisition training.
The beneficiaries comprised 30 women from Zababbu Multipurpose Cooperative Society and 20 from the Nasara Women Group, aimed at enabling them to support their families economically.
The programme was implemented under the six-month DEC SSPS project in Wuntin Dada community, designed to empower women through agro-based processing, cooperative strengthening and financial literacy.
Speaking at the close-out of the project, President of Zababbu Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Mrs. Winnifred Yusuf Robinson, said the initiative also led to the formation of a new Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) known as Nasara Women VSLA, which is gradually evolving into a cooperative.
According to her, the project had two main objectives: to promote the participation of 50 women in agro-based processing through two cooperatives by March 2026 and to build their capacity on cooperative organisation by February 2026.
“We are proud to report that these objectives have been achieved,” she said.
She explained that members of Zababbu Cooperative were trained in the production of groundnut oil, kuli-kuli (salted and sweetened), and sweet potato flour, while the Nasara Women group received training in the production of dawadawa, including both the traditional and seasoned varieties.
“The seasoned dawadawa was processed using ingredients such as ginger, garlic and cloves and produced in powdered form, while the traditional dawadawa was also produced and marketed within the community,” she added.
Robinson noted that the training has enabled both cooperatives to sustainably produce agro-based products, creating additional sources of income for members.
She added that the project has also strengthened cooperative development in the community, with the Nasara Women group now formally organised and registered as a cooperative.
“In terms of production, the Nasara Women group has successfully completed six production cycles of dawadawa, while Zababbu women have carried out four cycles of groundnut oil processing and sweet potato flour production,” she said.
According to her, beyond production, the initiative has strengthened cooperation, leadership and financial discipline among the women through VSLA activities that encourage savings and better financial management.
Robinson appreciated DEC SSPS for supporting the initiative, noting that it has improved the cooperative’s economic activities and created new opportunities for women in Wuntin Dada.
She also commended members of both cooperatives for their dedication and commitment to the project.
“As we close this project, we see it not as an end but the beginning of greater opportunities to expand production and empower more women economically,” she said.
In his remarks, the Village Head of Wuntin Dada, Musa Danladi, commended the organisers for selecting the community for the project, saying it has improved the economic condition of women in the area.
He assured that the community would continue to support organisations bringing development initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Habiba Adamu urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills acquired during the training.
She noted that many women remain economically dependent due to lack of employment and encouraged them to utilise the skills to improve their livelihoods.
“If you have a source of income, you will be respected and your voice will be heard,” she said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office, Mrs. Lydia Shehu, commended the cooperative for successfully implementing the project, noting that it aligns with the objectives of the SDGs.
She assured that the SDGs office would continue to partner with relevant organisations to achieve sustainable development goals.
Some beneficiaries also expressed appreciation for the opportunity, saying the training has improved their economic status as they can now generate steady income.
The women also displayed some of the products produced during the six-month training programme.
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