The Hon. Minister of State Steel Development H.E Uba Maigari Ahmadu stated this on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, as Special Guest of Honor to mark the grand finale of the Mennonite Economic Development Association (MEDA), a Youth Entrepreneurship and Women's Empowerment in Northern Nigeria, a project fondly known as Nigeria Way. MEDA creates business solutions to alleviating poverty. 

The Minister noted that the collaboration across the 7 local Government Areas of Bauchi, Dass, Ganjuwa, Toro, Jama'are, Warji and Katagun has not only been a testament to the resilience of the communities but also a demonstration of what is achievable when government, Ministries , Departments, Agencies as well as Private\Public Partners unite under a common vision.

Speaking further, he stated that the "Nigeria Way Project" is  remarkable and has been a beacon of hope illuminating the path towards Youth Entrepreneurship and Women's Empowerment which has witnessed the transformation of lives, establishment of sustainable businesses, and the Empowerment of women who are the backbone of the communities. 

The Honourable Minister added that the "close out" event symbolizes the culmination of a cooperative effort, an effort that has demonstrated the power of collaboration in driving positive change, he said "let this be a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, each bringing our unique strength to the table", noting working together to achieve success is in line with the Present Administration's Renewed Hope Agenda. He added that he looks forward to witnessing the continued impact of the collective efforts in shaping a brighter, more cooperative future for the community we serve to enhance the Nation.

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Country Project Manager of MEDA, Grace Fosen, stated that over the past seven years, the Organization has embarked on remarkable journey of Empowerment, Resilience, and Positive Transformation. 

She revealed that the project has witnessed remarkable achievement as it recorded over 1bn financial access that has helped in fostering the growth of women businesses, adding that various youths have been supported in Mini-Agro equipment fabrication which has promoted local indigenous manufacturing of agro technologies, stating that, more than 9000 women and youths have acquired productive technologies for their business and over 15000 have received technical assistance to promote economic and climate resilience. 

 Also, in her goodwill message, Counselor and Head Cooperation, Canada, Djifa Ahado, stated that they are committed to working with Nigeria to reduce extreme poverty and build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous society to ensure growth that works for everyone and align with the government of Nigeria's priorities. Canada she said, will continue to support projects to increase employment and business opportunities for vulnerable Nigerian youths, with a focus on women's economic empowerment, mainly through support to rural agriculture, value chain development and promoting income generating opportunities.