In a bid to promote self-reliance and economic empowerment, a Muslim non-governmental organization (NGO), the Muslim Professionals in Da’awah (MPD), has collaborated with the Education, Social and Health Mission (MESH) to train 60 new Muslims (reverts) with various skills.
The four-week training program, held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), equipped the participants with vocational skills alongside Islamic education. Following the program, the 60 beneficiaries, who hailed from Taraba and Adamawa states, received startup kits and certificates to enable them establish their own businesses.
The training program focused on practical skills relevant to the Nigerian market, including fashion design, barbing, shoe & bag making, and snacks production. To ensure the participants can hit the ground running, the organizers distributed targeted startup kits.
Twelve beneficiaries received sewing machines, twelve others got catering equipment including stoves and frying pans, while another twelve received shoe and bag making kits.
Additionally, ten participants received barbing startup kits, and fourteen walked away with personal care product starter packs.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary of the MPD, Umar Rufai, explained the group’s approach to spreading Islam. “We invite people to Islam through spiced dialogue and commitment to human values and peace,” he said.
On the other hand, MESH, represented by its Secretary, Board of Trustees, Muhammad Haroun Eze, highlighted the organization’s core objective. “We empower individuals, families, and communities through comprehensive educational initiatives that promote social well-being and act as a catalyst for social change and improved outcomes,” Eze stated.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the MPD and MESH for the empowering opportunity. They pledged to utilize the acquired skills wisely to build successful businesses.