By Usman Usman Garba
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has disbursed empowerment packages to 1,130 graduates from six entrepreneurship skills institutes in Kano State, as part of his administration’s drive to boost job creation for youths.
This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
The packages were presented at a colorful event held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.
Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf said the initiative aims to “rekindle hope, restore dreams, and unlock the enormous potential of youth to become self-reliant, productive, and innovative contributors to the state’s economy.”
He noted that the institutes were established during the administration of Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso “with the vision of equipping youths with practical skills to drive economic growth,” but were unfortunately closed by the preceding government.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to empowering graduates, saying, “That is why today each graduate is leaving here not only with a certificate but also with an empowerment package relevant to his or her field.”
He added that the government has provided tools and seed capital tailored to each institute’s specialty. For instance, 250 graduates of the Informatics Institute in Kura received laptops and phone repair kits, while 140 graduates of the Livestock Institute in Bagauda were empowered with bulls, feed, and veterinary medication. Additionally, 250 graduates of the Driving Institute in Kumbotso were issued driving licences and certificates.
At the Horticulture Institute in Bagauda, 200 graduates received modern gardening tools, while another 200 graduates of the Fisheries Institute were given fingerlings, weighing scales, and tarpaulin ponds to support their ventures. Finally, 90 graduates from the Film Institute in Tiga were provided with digital cameras to aid their creative pursuits.
Governor Yusuf said, “By reviving the institutes and providing both tools and seed capital, the government is reducing unemployment, curbing youth restiveness, and promoting self-reliance.” He further emphasized that the initiative supports the broader agenda to diversify Kano’s economy, promote innovation, and create a sustainable future for the state.
Addressing the graduates, he said, “Today is not the end, it is the beginning of your 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.”
In a goodwill message, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, represented by the National Chairman of NNPP, Dr. Ahmad Ajuji, commended the Kano State Government for reviving the institutes and wished the graduates a prosperous future.
The Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by his Chief of Staff and Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Munir Sanusi, praised Governor Yusuf’s purposeful leadership aimed at taking the state to greater heights.
