1st August, 2014
A shoemaker at Kofar Wambai in Kano, Malam Fatihu Yahaya, on Thursday called on Kano State Government to extend soft loans to local shoe makers to boost their cottage industries.
Yahaya, who made the call during interview with NAN in Kano, said local shoe makers contributed immensely to the economy of the state.
“Handmade shoes are affordable and are also of good quality than some of the foreign ones,” he said.
He said in spite of the economic situation in the country, shoe making was still a business which had the potentials to improve the economic fortunes of those involved in it.
Yahaya said there was need to support small entrepreneurs in the state since locally made shoes were durable and affordable.
“The numbers of youths embracing the business is on the increase due to its viability and you don’t need huge sums of money to start it.
“With N20,000, you can start the business. The business has really helped many unemployed youths.
“For instance, I have up to five boys that work under me. At least, it’s better than being idle,” he said.
He advised young people in the state to embrace the business to enhance their socio-economic status.