By Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has empowered no fewer than 1,169 youths with practical skills and starter packs under the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA) in collaboration with the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the People’s Square, the governor congratulated the beneficiaries for their discipline, resilience, and successful completion of the one-year intensive training programme.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to practical empowerment and people-centred 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,” he said.
Governor Radda identified youth unemployment as a major challenge and stressed the importance of skills acquisition in tackling the problem.
“The most effective way to address unemployment is to empower our youth with practical skills that can translate into real economic opportunities,” he added.
He explained that the mechatronics programme aligns with global technological advancements and the demands of the modern labour market.
“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,” the governor noted.
According to him, the initiative is designed not only to train but also to ensure employability and productivity among the beneficiaries.
“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.
Governor Radda commended KASEDA for the effective implementation of the programme and appreciated NATA for its strategic partnership.
He also praised trainers, mentors, and coordinators for building both skills and character among the participants.
Addressing the graduates, the governor 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 stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed to excellence, noting that the programme marks the beginning of a new journey.
“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.
The governor further explained that the inclusion of starter packs was aimed at bridging 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.
Earlier, the Director-General of KASEDA, Dr. Babangida Ruma, described the graduation of 1,169 apprentices as a significant milestone, reflecting strong leadership and effective policy implementation.
He said the programme demonstrates the state government’s commitment to human capital development, entrepreneurship, and institutional collaboration.
According to him, the initiative equips participants with practical, market-relevant skills through hands-on training, mentorship, and industry exposure.
Similarly, the Chairman of NATA, Engineer Abbati, noted that the programme has significantly reduced unemployment and promoted self-reliance.
He appealed for government support to complete the NATA administrative block at the Katsina Youth Craft Village, which is currently about 50 per cent completed.
The guest speaker, Jelani Aliyu, MFR, Founder/CEO of Mashrabiya Group, emphasized that investment in youth skills development is critical to national prosperity.
He urged the graduates to remain disciplined and consistent, noting that mastery 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.
In a goodwill message, Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani described Governor Radda as a transformational leader with strong economic vision, noting that KASEDA has impacted over one million beneficiaries through various empowerment programmes.