By Peter Uwumarogie
Mrs Kate Usman, an eatery operator in Gombe State who trained 20 youths in Masa trade, has urged women and youths to embrace small businesses to become financially independent.
She said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Tuesday.
Masa, also known as Waina or rice cake, is a popular traditional delicacy from Northern Nigeria, particularly among the Hausa people. It consists of fluffy, slightly tangy, golden-brown fermented rice cakes, often enjoyed as a snack, breakfast meal, or a main dish with various accompaniments.
Usman said business remained one of the best means to escape poverty if embraced with discipline and perseverance.
She said that she had built a house and empowered over 20 youths, who also graduated from tertiary institutions from the proceeds of selling the snack near Orji Estate in Gombe metropolis.
Usman said the trade availed her the opportunity to meet her household needs and become financially independent.
“With the proceeds of selling Masa, I built my own house in Gombe State, even though it took me seven years to complete.
“I have been able to train countless youths and my siblings who have established themselves and are doing well.
“Some of them are graduates and undergraduates who are doing the business and using proceeds of the business to fund their education and meet school demands,’’ she said.
Usman recalled that she began the trade with a half measure of rice some 15 years ago and became successful with perseverance and financial discipline.
While advising the youths to take advantage of the trade to improve their social and economic status, Usman urged governments at all levels to invest more in youth empowerment programmes. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
