SAPZ Kano partners ABCOAD to organize FFS Training for Youth and Women.

The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, Kano State, in collaboration with Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), has commenced a two-day Farmer Field School (FFS) training for youth and women as part of efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and improved nutrition.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the College, Muhammad Dahiru Hudu, the training, sponsored by the SAPZ Programme with support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is being facilitated by Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta.

The Farmer Field School (FFS) is to equip participants with practical, climate-smart agricultural knowledge and modern farming techniques that will enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, and contribute to building a healthier and more nutritious society.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the State Programme Coordinator of SAPZ Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ilyasu, welcomed the beneficiaries and reminded them that they were selected from among thousands of applicants based on the programme's selection criteria

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He urged the participants to take full advantage of the training by actively participating in both the classroom and practical sessions, noting that the programme includes intensive demonstrations on the farmland provided for the exercise.

According to him, Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta, was selected to facilitate the training because of its proven track record and outstanding capacity in delivering modern agricultural education and practical skills.

The State Programme Coordinator congratulated the participants on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kano State, while appreciating the continued support of the Kano State Government, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and IFAD towards youth and women empowerment.

In her remarks, the SAPZ Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Hajiya Rabi Mustapha Ibrahim, described the training as a significant milestone in the programme's commitment to empowering women and youth through nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

She disclosed that the initiative would train 200 beneficiaries, the majority of whom are women, with the expectation that the knowledge acquired would positively impact agricultural production, household nutrition, and ultimately benefit up to two million people across the state.

Earlier, the Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the SAPZ Kano Programme for selecting the College to facilitate the training. He also thanked the Kano State Government, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and IFAD for their unwavering support towards agricultural development and human capital empowerment.

Dr. Hassan Ibrahim encouraged the beneficiaries to remain committed throughout the two-day intensive training, emphasizing that the knowledge and practical skills they acquire would position them for greater productivity and self-reliance.

The training features classroom sessions on Climate-Smart Agriculture, Agribusiness Development, Precision Agriculture, and other innovative farming practices, alongside practical demonstrations on land preparation, harrowing, tilling, spraying, irrigation management, and erosion control.

Also speaking, the SAPZ PIU Environmental and Climate Change Specialist, Dr. Kabiru Yau Abdullahi, commended Audu Bako College of Agriculture for its reputation as one of the region's leading agricultural training institutions and highlighted the importance of environmentally sustainable farming practices.

The Kano State Government has provided over 1,500 hectares of agricultural land across Tukui, Kadawa, Bagauda, and Bunkure to support the implementation of the programme.

As part of the opening activities, the State Programme Coordinator and members of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) conducted an inspection tour of the College's two-hectare irrigation demonstration farm with the first batch of 

beneficiaries.

AWDF, NBRRI Train Women, Youth in Construction Skills, Push Gender Inclusion

The Alice Wanny Development Foundation (AWDF), in collaboration with the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), has trained women and youths in construction-related skills.

The two-day programme focused on tiling, flooring techniques, safety in construction, and entrepreneurship.

Founder of AWDF, Alice Adamuje Owan, said the initiative seeks to break gender stereotypes and empower women beyond traditional trades.

"Most women are trained in tailoring or catering. But the construction industry is growing, and we want women to benefit from it,” she said.

She called for more opportunities for women in the sector through internships, placements, and gender-inclusive policies.

“A woman with skills is not just an asset to her family but to the nation,” Owan said.

The event also marked the International Day of the Girl Child and the launch of Owan’s book, From Gloominess to Strength.

The book highlights the struggles and resilience of girls facing educational and gender-based challenges.

“This book is not just a memoir. It is a call to action,” she said, urging communities to invest in girls’ education.“When a girl rises, a nation rises,” she added.

Director of Consultancy and Extension Services at NBRRI, Mr Daniel Makava, said the training was part of a broader national effort to reduce unemployment and boost gender equity in construction.

“We are equipping women and young people with practical skills to access jobs and start businesses,” Makava said.

“Empowering women in construction is no longer an option—it is a necessity for inclusive growth.”

He said NBRRI would continue to partner with stakeholders to promote technical competence and safety in the sector.

The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) also lent its voice to the call for gender inclusion, professionalism, and safety in real estate development.

Speaking at the event, Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, Chairperson, REDAN National Women’s Committee, stressed the importance of ethics and competence in the housing sector.

“Professionalism must be the foundation of every real estate activity. It builds trust and attracts partnerships,” she said.

She said safety must go beyond policy to become an everyday practice.“A safe site is a productive site. Safety protects lives, ensures quality, and reduces losses,” she added.

Ibrahim urged more women to explore roles in construction and property development.

“Inclusion brings creativity, diligence, and accountability, all of which drive better outcomes,” she said.

She noted that women still face limited access to land, finance, and leadership roles.“REDAN is pushing for inclusive financing and mortgage models tailored for women,” Ibrahim said.

She pledged REDAN’s continued support for mentoring and partnerships that promote women’s participation.

She pledged REDAN’s continued support for mentoring and partnerships that promote women’s participation.

Also speaking, Safety Expert Labaran Ahman led a session on “Workplace Safety for Women in Construction.”

Ahman, a member of multiple global safety associations, emphasised the need for gender-sensitive safety policies.

“Women face unique risks on construction sites. We need inclusive training and protective measures that reflect this,” he said.

He stressed that safety must evolve to reflect the diversity of today’s workforce.

Another session, titled “Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunities in Craftsmanship,” was led by Ms Asange Ann.

Ann encouraged participants to shift from survival work to building structured businesses.

"Your hands hold value—but your mind builds the future. It’s time to turn skills into success,” she said.

She discussed how skills like carpentry, tailoring, metalwork, and bead-making can become viable enterprises.

Ann urged participants to apply branding, digital marketing, and niche identification to grow their businesses.

Participants left the event with hands-on knowledge and a renewed focus on building sustainable livelihoods.