Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has launched a major initiative to combat unemployment by equipping the state’s youth with marketable skills. The plan includes a N123 million investment in the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV), a center dedicated to practical skills development.
Governor Radda emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, “By equipping our young people with marketable skills, we are not merely taking them off the streets but transforming them into productive entrepreneurs and future employers of labour.” The initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to empower youth and reduce unemployment.
Engr. Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, the State Coordinator of KYCV, highlighted the range of skills offered, including shoemaking, leatherworks, computer maintenance, film and photography, auto electrical and mechanical work, catering, and waste-to-wealth projects. Training periods vary from three months to a year, depending on the complexity of the skill.
To ensure wider access, similar training centers have been established in Daura and Malumfashi, expanding opportunities for young people across the state. This decentralized approach aims to reach more youth and provide them with skills that can lead to sustainable livelihoods.
Governor Radda’s “Building Your Future” agenda aims to create long-term economic growth by empowering the state’s youth to become self-reliant. The KYCV initiative aligns with this vision, providing the tools needed for young people to become active contributors to the state’s economy.
This initiative marks a significant step toward reducing unemployment in Katsina State, offering hope for a future where young people can transform their communities through skillful entrepreneurship.