Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has empowered 1,169 youths with practical skills and starter packs under the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA/NATA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme.
The graduation ceremony held on Monday at the People’s Square, Government House, Katsina, marking a significant milestone in the state’s drive toward youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable economic development.
This was contained in a statemeny by brahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.
Governor Radda congratulated the beneficiaries for their discipline, resilience, and successful completion of the one-year intensive training programme.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a programme, but the resilience, determination, and commitment of our young people who have chosen the path of self-improvement and enterprise,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to practical empowerment and people-centered economic development.
“From the inception of this administration, we made it clear that our focus would be on meaningful empowerment and real economic development. The true wealth of any society lies in the capacity and productivity of its people,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda identified youth unemployment as a major challenge, stressing the importance of skills acquisition.
“The most effective way to address unemployment is to empower our youth with practical skills that can translate into real economic opportunities,” he said.
He noted that the mechatronics programme aligns with global technological advancement and modern labour market needs.
“The world is changing rapidly, and the automobile industry is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Mechatronics represents the future, combining mechanical knowledge with electronics and modern diagnostics,” he explained.
He added that the initiative is designed not only for training but also for employability and productivity.
“This initiative is not just about training; it is about preparing our youth to remain relevant, competitive, and productive in a technology-driven world,” he said.
The Governor commended the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) for effective implementation of the programme, and appreciated the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) for its strategic partnership.
He also praised trainers, mentors, and coordinators for building both skills and character.
Addressing the graduates, Governor Radda described the starter packs as instruments of opportunity and independence.
“These are not just tools; they are instruments of opportunity and productivity. They represent the confidence we have in your ability to build businesses and contribute to society,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed to excellence. “Do not see this as the end of your journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. Use these tools responsibly and strive for excellence in all that you do,” he advised.
He explained that the starter packs were deliberately introduced to bridge the gap between training and employment.
“One of the major challenges of skills programmes is the lack of startup support. This is why we ensured that this programme goes beyond training to actual empowerment,” he added.
Governor Radda emphasized the need for young people to become job creators rather than job seekers.
He also called on parents, community leaders, and stakeholders to support vocational and technical education.
Earlier, Director-General KASEDA Dr. Babangida Ruma described the graduation of 1,169 apprentices as a major achievement reflecting strong leadership and effective policy implementation.
He said the programme demonstrates Katsina State’s commitment to human capital development, entrepreneurship, and institutional collaboration.
According to him, the initiative equips participants with practical, market-relevant technical skills through hands-on training, mentorship, and industry exposure.
He added that the starter packs are a key empowerment strategy, enabling graduates to begin work immediately, establish businesses, and transition into self-reliance.
Similarly, Chairman (NATA), Engineer Abbati noted that the programme has significantly reduced unemployment and promoted self-reliance.
He appealed for government support for the completion of the NATA administrative block at Katsina Youth Craft Village, currently about 50% completed.
He also called for stronger collaboration with the 34 local government areas, relevant state agencies, AMOSCO International Company, and enhanced linkages with agencies such as KASEDA, KASROMA, RUWASSA, SEPA, and KYCV to boost productivity and expand impact.
The Guest Speaker, Jelani Aliyu MFR, Founder/CEO of Mashrabiya Group, emphasized that investing in youth through skills development is critical to national prosperity.
Drawing from his global automotive experience, he stressed discipline, consistency, and long-term commitment as key to success.
He noted that mastery in any field requires patience and continuous improvement.
“The skills you have acquired are tools for transformation. With integrity, dedication, and hard work, you can become self-reliant, create opportunities for others, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Goodwill message was delivered by Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani, who described Governor Radda as a transformational leader in innovation and economic thinking. He likened him to Abraham Lincoln in visionary leadership and Adam Smith in economic philosophy.
He referred to him as the “Adam Smith of Nigeria and Katsina State,” citing his focus on empowerment and opportunity-driven governance.
He noted that KASEDA has reached over one million beneficiaries through various empowerment programmes, reshaping the mindset of youths and artisans by turning technical skills into business opportunities.
The event was attended by members of the Katsina State Executive Council, Local Government Chairmen, Members of the State House of Assembly, senior government officials, and other stakeholders.
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