By John Bassey, Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has stated that the renovation of the State National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Dakin Gari/Basaura has transformed the facility into one capable of competing favourably with orientation camps across Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Nuradden Bala Fingiller, disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2026 ministerial briefing held in Birnin Kebbi.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Ahmed Idris, the commissioner highlighted key achievements of the administration, including the renovation and construction of facilities at the NYSC camp such as a female hostel, clinic, mosque, toilets, borehole, KVA transformer, and solar power system.
Fingiller also highlighted the distribution of sports equipment to sports associations across the 225 wards in the 21 local government areas of the state in 2024.
He further revealed plans to establish four skills acquisition centres in the Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru Emirates, as well as the creation of the State Youth Council.
Other achievements, according to the commissioner, include the implementation of the State Youth Policy and the establishment of the State Youth Parliament.
He explained that the Youth Development Department coordinates programmes aimed at transforming young people into job creators.
According to him, the initiatives include sensitisation campaigns on skills acquisition, the dangers of drug abuse, political thuggery, and conflict resolution between farmers and herders across the 21 local government areas, alongside vocational training programmes.
For 2026, the ministry designed phased skills training programmes for youths.
Between January and March, the training focused on dyeing, cosmetics production, barbing, hairdressing, and popcorn production, while programmes scheduled for April to August cover tailoring, computer training, solar installation, and handset repair.
From September to November, the ministry plans to train youths in irrigation farming, fish farming, and animal husbandry.
The commissioner further disclosed that the ministry partnered with federal ministries, agencies, and foreign organisations to train youths in various trades, agriculture, and the digital economy.
On infrastructure development, Fingiller said Governor Nasir Idris approved the construction of four skills acquisition centres in the headquarters of Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri, and Zuru Emirates to serve as training and transit hubs for unemployed youths.
In the area of sports, he said the state government sustained Kebbi United FC by providing logistical support, enabling the club to compete favourably with top northern clubs such as Ranchers Bees, Jigawa Golden Stars, Gombe United, and Yobe Desert Stars.
“The club retained its place in the Nigeria National League and also made history in the 2026 President Federation Cup.
“For the first time since the creation of Sokoto State, a Kebbi team reached the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup.
“Out of 74 clubs nationwide, Kebbi United was among the last four teams alongside El-Kanemi Warriors, Kano Pillars, and Akwa United,” he said.
He added that Kebbi United FC now has more than 15 indigenous players earning a minimum of $150,000 monthly, making the club a source of employment and youth talent development.
At the grassroots level, the state sponsors 11 clubs in the Nigeria Nationwide League, including Gwandu United, Jega United, Matawalle FC, Zara FC, Argungu United, Fagachi Yauri FC, Dukku Warriors FC, Dallatun Yauri United FC, Shatiman Gulumbe FC, and Durumbu United FC.
Fingiller urged youths across the state to continue supporting the administration of Governor Nasir Idris to ensure the delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Kebbi State.
