Gov. Yusuf empowers 2,260 graduands of eight institutes

…announces plans to train 50,000 youths in 2026

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has disbursed empowerment packages to 2,260 graduands of eight entrepreneurship skills institutes across the state as part of efforts to boost job creation among youths.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, indicated that the empowerment packages were distributed at a colourful ceremony held at the Open Arena, Government House, Kano, on Sunday.

Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf said the initiative was aimed at rekindling hope, restoring dreams, and unlocking the enormous potential of young people to become self-reliant, productive, and innovative contributors to the state’s economy.

He recalled that the entrepreneurship institutes were originally established during the administration of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to equip youths with practical skills for economic growth but were unfortunately shut down by the immediate past administration.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering the graduates, stressing that each beneficiary was leaving the venue not only with a certificate but also with empowerment tools relevant to their chosen fields.

According to him, the revival of the institutes and provision of tools alongside seed capital will help reduce unemployment, curb youth restiveness, and promote self-reliance in line with the government’s broader agenda to diversify Kano’s economy and secure a sustainable future for its people.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor said the empowerment marked the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey.

“The tools and capital you have received today are seeds. Use them wisely, nurture them, and they will grow into successful businesses that will benefit you, your families, and our state,” he advised.

Breakdown of the empowerment packages are as follows: 250 graduates of Informatics Institute, Kura, received laptop computers and phone repair kits, 205 graduates of Livestock Institute, Bagauda; 600 graduates of Poultry Institute; and 205 graduates of Fisheries Institute received 50 day-old chicks, cages, drinkers, feeders, medicaments, and five bags of feed each.

250 graduates of Driving Institute received driver’s licences and certificates.

250 graduates of Horticulture Institute received water pumps, wheelbarrows, hand shovels, watering cans, and other horticultural equipment.

300 graduates of Film Institute received tablets and external hard drives.

200 graduates of Development Journalism Institute received tablets and Artificial Intelligence recorders.

Beneficiaries of the seven institutes received N50,000 each, while those of the Driving Institute received N100,000 each.

In a goodwill message, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibril Isma’il Falgore, commended Governor Yusuf for the giant strides recorded under his administration.

Falgore assured the continued support of the State House of Assembly to the executive arm of government in delivering people-oriented developmental projects across Kano State.

Governor Yusuf has also announced plans to train 50,000 youths in 2026, as part of his broader strategy to empower young people to become self-reliant, productive, and economically stable.

He made the disclosure on Sunday at the distribution of empowerment packages to 2,260 graduates of eight entrepreneurship skills institutes held at the Government House, Kano.

According to the governor, the training programme is designed to build a skilled, empowered, and self-reliant population that will contribute meaningfully to the overall development of Kano State.

Governor Yusuf said the initiative forms part of his administration’s extended vision to combat poverty, unemployment, and youth restiveness across the nooks and crannies of the state.

He added that the programme will promote economic growth, reduce joblessness, and foster inclusivity and social development among youths.

The governor assured that his administration remains fully committed to making huge investments in youth training and empowerment as a strategic outlay for securing a better future for the next generation.