The Kebbi State Government has pledged to provide financial support to the North East Youth Initiative for Development (NEYIF) to boost youth empowerment and sustainable development in the region. This announcement was made during a high-level courtesy visit to NEYIF’s Sokoto Regional Office on the 19th of June, 2025.
The delegation from Kebbi State was led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Kabiru Labbo Jega. Other notable members included the Waziri of Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, the NEYIF State Coordinator for Kebbi State, and representatives from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The visit was organised to explore partnership opportunities and to gain a better understanding of NEYIF’s developmental projects in Sokoto and surrounding areas.
Upon their arrival, the team was warmly welcomed by the Executive Director of NEYIF, Comrade Dauda Muhammad Gombe. He presented a detailed overview of the organisation’s activities, which focus on youth empowerment, skills acquisition, community resilience, and sustainable development.
During his address, Comrade Dauda Muhammad Gombe stressed NEYIF’s dedication to community-based development. He noted that involving local communities directly in project planning and execution boosts the success rate and sustainability of their programs.
He also shared success stories and statistics, showcasing NEYIF’s positive impact in areas like conflict resolution, education, and economic development.
The Waziri of Gwandu, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, expressed strong support for NEYIF’s efforts. He described their approach as a “commendable community-based project that fosters local ownership and resilience.” He added that this model not only empowers communities but also promotes responsibility among young people, which is essential for lasting peace and development.
Other members of the delegation, including the Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, also praised NEYIF’s achievements. They discussed ways to collaborate further, highlighting the need for government involvement and increased resource allocation to expand NEYIF’s youth-focused programs.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Kabiru Labbo Jega, applauded NEYIF for its outstanding work and reaffirmed Kebbi State Government’s commitment to supporting the organisation.
“On behalf of the Kebbi State Government, I wish to commend the North East Youth Initiative for Development for the outstanding work they are doing in Sokoto and beyond. Your commitment to community-driven development and youth empowerment resonates deeply with our vision for sustainable growth. I want to assure you today that we recognize the vital role NEYIF plays in fostering resilience and progress at the grassroots level. Consequently, we will do everything within our power to ensure the creation of a dedicated budget line for NEYIF in the Kebbi State 2026 budget. This financial commitment will enable us to collaborate more effectively and expand the reach of your impactful programs across our state and the region. Together, we can build stronger communities and a brighter future for our youth,” he stated.
The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between Kebbi State and NEYIF, with a shared focus on youth empowerment, skill acquisition programs, and sustainable development in Sokoto and neighbouring communities. This partnership is expected to enhance economic development and reduce youth unemployment in the region, contributing to long-term peace and stability.