Barau Receives Kano North Traders, Reaffirms Commitment to Economic Empowerment.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
October 9, 2026.
ABUJA — Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has received leaders and members of the Kano North Traders Association, a group comprising indigenes of Kano North who are engaged in businesses across different parts of Nigeria.
The delegation, which visited the National Assembly in Abuja, was received by Senator Barau alongside the Managing Director of the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority and Director-General of the APC Kano North Campaign, Engr. Rabi’u Suleiman Bichi.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the leader of the association, Hon. Abba Salisu Mai Wake Garo, commended Senator Barau for what he described as significant interventions across Kano North, particularly programmes targeted at improving the economic wellbeing of residents.
He specifically highlighted the senator’s N100,000 monthly empowerment initiative, describing it as a commendable intervention capable of providing capital for petty traders, artisans and other small-scale entrepreneurs.
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The empowerment programme has previously been reported as targeting 1,300 beneficiaries monthly across Kano North, with beneficiaries receiving N100,000 in start-up capital. Other reported interventions include support for agriculture, transportation, education and small businesses.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the association, Alhaji Ibrahim Abba, said the organisation had established a strong network of Kano North indigenes living and doing business in Lagos.
He explained that the association was created to strengthen relationships among Kano North people residing outside the state, promote economic cooperation and ensure that the interests and welfare of members remained a priority.
Responding, Senator Barau described the delegation as representatives of a vibrant community of Kano North entrepreneurs who had established themselves in various parts of the country.
He expressed appreciation for their visit, solidarity and commitment to the development of their communities, stressing that bringing together Kano North people living and doing business outside the state was consistent with the values of community development, self-reliance and productive economic participation.
According to him, the initiative was not only about politics but also about creating stronger networks among people from the same communities, encouraging entrepreneurship and ensuring that citizens living outside Kano continued to contribute to the development of their places of origin.
Senator Barau also explained that his interest in entrepreneurship informed his decision to pursue a PhD in the field, with the broader objective of acquiring knowledge that could help him mentor young people and encourage them to establish sustainable businesses.
He said his development interventions were aimed at creating opportunities for people to become economically independent rather than permanently dependent on assistance.
The Deputy President of the Senate has, in 2026, announced and implemented several empowerment initiatives targeting Kano North. Reports indicate that, apart from the N100,000 monthly capital support, the programmes have included assistance involving agricultural inputs, water pumps, sewing machines, motorcycles, refrigerators and other livelihood-support items.
The Kano North Senatorial District comprises 13 local government areas, and the reported empowerment programmes have been structured to reach communities across the district.
Senator Barau thanked the Kano North Traders Association for its visit and for recognising the importance of unity among people from the senatorial district regardless of where they reside or conduct their businesses.
He assured the delegation of his continued support for initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, community development and economic empowerment.
He further called for stronger collaboration among Kano North people at home and in the diaspora, saying such networks could play an important role in strengthening businesses, supporting young entrepreneurs and contributing to the socioeconomic development of the region.
The meeting also underscored the growing importance of organised groups of Kano indigenes living outside the state in building stronger economic, social and community networks.
Senator Barau said he remained committed to working with the people and stakeholders of Kano North towards strengthening communities, expanding opportunities and supporting programmes designed to improve livelihoods.
He expressed confidence that continued collaboration between political leaders, business communities, professionals and grassroots stakeholders would contribute to greater economic opportunities for the people of Kano North.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to collaboration, community empowerment and the pursuit of development initiatives across Kano North.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 9th, 2026
