Katsina government invests over ₦4 billion in youth craft village as 1,662 trainees graduate

The Katsina State Government has spent more than ₦4 billion to renovate and equip its Youth Craft Village. This announcement came as 1,662 trainees graduated on Monday.

But the government did not give details on how the money was spent.

Governor Dikko Radda shared this information at the second graduation ceremony held at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. The graduates received equipment to help them start their own businesses.

The number of graduates increased from 648 at the first ceremony to 1,662, marking a rise of about 156 percent. Still, the government did not say how many of the past graduates have started businesses or are still working in their trades.

In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Mr Radda said the investment included renovations, upgrades to facilities, and the purchase of modern machines and tools.

The statement did not clarify the timeframe for the spending, how much was spent on each project, or the value of the equipment given to the graduates.

Mr Radda noted that the trainees were taught over 15 trades. These included tailoring, welding and fabrication, carpentry, electrical installation, information and communication technology, catering, cosmetology, plumbing, and automobile repairs.

“We do not believe in just giving certificates and sending our graduates home without the means to use their training. That is why we are giving them start-up tools and equipment to start their businesses,” he said.

The governor advised the graduates not to sell the equipment. He encouraged them to use it to start their businesses and create jobs for others.

He also revealed plans to set up more vocational training centres in all 34 local government areas of the state. The goal is to train over 5,000 young people before his administration ends.

Mr Radda mentioned that the government has created an innovation hub and an innovation desk at the craft village.

He also stated that the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency has helped more than 60,000 people through different enterprise development programs. However, the statement did not include the period for this assistance or specific details.

Former Governor Ibrahim Shema, who started the Katsina Youth Craft Village, said the centre was meant to equip young people, especially from rural areas, with practical skills.

He noted that the village has attracted trainees from other parts of Nigeria and even from the neighboring Niger Republic.

Mr Shema recalled meeting a former trainee who went on to become a head of department in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The institution's coordinator, Kabir Soro, said the rise in the number of graduates is due to the state government expanding the facility.

Idris Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, also spoke. He urged other states to create similar vocational training programs, including those through community and Islamic schools.