Malama Habiba, a fried groundnut vendor in Gwarzo community of Gwarzo Local Government Area in Kano North Senatorial District, had spent over two decades struggling to grow her small business. Despite her resilience and consistency, her capital never exceeded N30,000.

That reality, however, changed when she became one of the beneficiaries of the N100,000 cash empowerment initiative introduced by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

“I have always managed the little I had as capital. Though it wasn’t much, I survived with it all these years. But when I received the N100,000 support from Senator Barau, everything changed, positively,” she said.

According to her, the intervention has significantly boosted her business capacity.

“With this support, I now produce twice what I used to produce. My profit has increased, and I can support my family and even others,” she added, expressing profound appreciation to the lawmaker.

Like Malama Habiba, hundreds of petty traders, artisans, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs across the 13 Local Government Areas of Kano North Senatorial District have benefited from the initiative. In just three months, nearly 5,000 people have received support under the programme.

Many beneficiaries said the intervention has not only improved their businesses but also strengthened their economic resilience, with the majority hoping to employ others to support their businesses.

Although Senator Barau has implemented several empowerment programmes in the past, this initiative stands out as one of the most structured and sustained interventions of its kind in Nigeria. Under the programme, 1,300 beneficiaries receive N100,000 each every month for a period of 12 months.

Across the district, recipients are investing the funds into petty trading, agriculture, and other micro-enterprises. This has increased economic activities and enhanced community resilience.

Experts note that cash-based palliative interventions often generate a multiplier effect, as funds are quickly reinvested into local economies through spending on food, transportation, and small businesses.

For Abdullahi Abdullahi Mai Citta, a spice trader in the Bichi local government area, the intervention has not only helped him meet family needs but also doubled his capital.

Speaking to The Parliamentarian Magazine at his shop, he said that the support has enabled him to expand his business.

“This intervention is a game changer. Immediately I received the N100,000, I went to Kano city and restocked goods that were previously out of reach. Now, my customers are increasing daily because I have what they need,” he said.

He added that many others; shoe repairers, barbers, and petty traders have equally benefited.

“We are grateful. Senator Barau has done a lot, and he is still doing more. We will continue to support and pray for him,” he said.

In Rimin Gado Local Government Area, Alhaji Bala Musa, a firewood seller, said the grant revived his struggling business.

“My capital had dropped to less than N20,000 due to hardship and responsibilities. But when I received N100,000, I was able to restock. Now, I buy and sell firewood every week. I am fully back in business,” he explained.

Similarly, Jamilu Basiru Dambatta, a shoemaker, said the support allowed him to upgrade his tools and improve his services.

“Before now, I was limited to basic repairs because I didn’t have enough working tools. With this support, I upgraded my tools. Now I earn more and attract more customers.

"If I continue like this, very soon I will engage one or two boys to support me. That way, I will contribute to society and also expand my business, he said.

At Dawanau Market in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, Aisha Sani, a petty trader, said the intervention enabled her to diversify her business.

“I used to sell only a few items due to a lack of capital. Now I have many varieties and my daily sales have improved significantly,” she noted.

“I am about 40 years old, and I have never received this kind of support before. Only Senator Barau has done this for me. I am very happy,” she said.

For Muhammadu Saminu Butu-Butu, a vegetable seller, the grant expanded his product range and boosted his earnings.

The Parliamentarian Magazine gathered that such direct cash interventions play a vital role in stimulating grassroots economies by empowering small businesses, increasing local production, and improving household incomes.

The N100,000 monthly cash empowerment initiative forms part of Senator Barau’s broader strategy to uplift livelihoods, reduce poverty, and promote inclusive economic growth across Kano North Senatorial District.

For many beneficiaries like Malama Habiba, the intervention represents more than financial assistance; it is a turning point that has restored hope and opened new pathways for sustainable economic growth.

Note: This is culled from the Parliamentarian, a bilingual magazine published quarterly by the media office of the Deputy President of the Senate.