From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has empowered 1,000 adolescent girls who graduated from skills acquisition centres across the state with starter packs in six vocational trades, describing the initiative as a deliberate investment in the state’s future.
The beneficiaries, drawn from Kaita, Funtua, Matazu, Charanchi, Dutsi, Baure, Kurfi and Mani local government areas, received certificates and working tools during a graduation and empowerment ceremony organised by the Office of the Special Adviser on Girl Child Education and Child Development.
Speaking at the event, Radda said the programme underscored his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child, particularly the girl child, has access to education, skills and opportunities for self-reliance.
“This ceremony represents hope, opportunity and a deliberate investment in the future of Katsina State. When you empower a girl, you empower a family, a community and the next generation,” the governor said.
He stressed that his government was determined to dismantle social, economic and cultural barriers preventing girls from acquiring education and skills.
“Our policy is anchored on equal opportunity. No child should be denied education or skills because of background or circumstance. Empowering the girl child is not just a social responsibility; it is a foundation for sustainable development,” Radda added.
The governor explained that skills acquisition centres across the state had been strengthened to provide practical and market-driven training that promotes dignity of labour, self-reliance and economic independence.
At the ceremony, the graduands received starter packs in tailoring, knitting, leather works, cosmetology, catering and ICT, including sewing and knitting machines, leather and beauty kits, gas cookers, cooking utensils and laptops.
“Training without tools limits impact. That is why we are providing you with the equipment you need to start work immediately, earn a living and build sustainable futures,” he said.
Radda urged the beneficiaries to use the tools effectively, establish viable businesses and contribute positively to their families and communities.
He also announced a partnership between the Katsina State Government and Green House Company to provide advanced internships and employment opportunities for 300 of the graduands.
“This partnership will give you hands-on industry experience and open doors to real jobs, ensuring that your skills translate directly into economic opportunities,” the governor stated.
Radda commended the Office of the Special Adviser on Girl Child Education and Child Development, instructors, parents and development partners for their roles in the success of the programme, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Girl Child Education and Child Development, Jamila Abdu Mani, thanked the governor for his sustained support for the girl child and other vulnerable groups.
“Your leadership and compassion have translated policy into real impact. Today’s graduation and empowerment demonstrate a strong commitment to education, skills and opportunity for our girls,” she said.
She noted that the partnership with Green House Company would provide more than 300 graduands with industry exposure and pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
“This collaboration will bridge the gap between training and employment, ensuring that our girls can convert their skills into income and independence,” Mani added.
She described the starter packs as seeds of opportunity and symbols of trust, urging the graduands to become role models in their communities.
Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasir Yahaya Daura; local government chairmen; the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Ali Albaba; the Chairman of Gwagware Foundation, Yusuf Ali Musawa; members of the state executive council; representatives of Katsina and Daura Emirates, and parents of the graduands.
