BIRNIWA, Nigeria — The Birniwa Local Government Council, acting on behalf of the Jigawa State government, has distributed 264 goats to 88 women across the area as part of a state-wide initiative to boost economic empowerment and improve livelihoods.
The Goat Rearing Scheme, launched on Monday, March 17, 2025, by Governor Malam Umar Namadi, aims to enhance the economic well-being of women and their families.
Governor Namadi commended the council chairman, Mallam Shehu, for aligning with his administration’s empowerment programmes.
He highlighted the state government’s commitment to supporting youth and women through various initiatives designed to uplift their living standards.
“My administration has introduced several empowerment programmes, including the Goat Rearing Scheme, to support our teeming youth and women groups across the state. These programmes have significantly improved the living standards of our people,” the governor said.
In addition to the goat distribution, Governor Namadi noted that the state government had launched a rice cultivation programme on 100 hectares of land in each of the state’s 27 local government areas.
This initiative has engaged numerous youths in rice production, contributing to food security and job creation.
“Additionally, through the Ministry of Agriculture, we are committed to providing adequate and subsidised farming inputs to our farmers to boost agricultural productivity,” Governor Namadi added.
Council Chairman Mallam Shehu explained that the 264 goats were distributed to 88 women selected from the 11 wards in Birniwa.
Each beneficiary received two she-goats and one he-goat to rear, with the aim of enabling them to generate income through goat farming.
Shehu urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the animals to ensure their economic benefits.
He also expressed gratitude to Governor Namadi for approving the programme and supporting other initiatives aimed at empowering women in the area.
To ensure the success of the programme, the council’s head of the agriculture department, Muhammed Aminu, revealed that a team of mobile veterinary workers had been assigned to supervise the care of the goats and keep them healthy.
“We have arranged for veterinary experts to monitor the goats and provide necessary support to the beneficiaries. This will help ensure the animals remain healthy and productive,” Aminu said.
Beneficiaries, including Dija Aminu and Alhajeti Umaru, expressed their gratitude to the council for the gesture.
They pledged to take good care of the goats and utilize the opportunity to improve their economic conditions.
“We are very thankful for this support. These goats will help us generate income and improve our lives. We promise to take good care of them,” said Dija Aminu, one of the beneficiaries.
The Goat Rearing Scheme is part of a broader effort by the Jigawa State government to empower women and youth, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable economic development.
By providing resources and support for small-scale livestock farming, the initiative aims to create long-term economic opportunities for rural communities.
