The Federal Government has announced plans to empower at least 27,000 young people in Jigawa State with capital, starter packs, and technical training to help them build sustainable businesses.
President Bola Tinubu revealed this in a message delivered by Governor Umar Namadi during a citizens’ engagement programme in Ringim Local Government Area.
According to the announcement, the initiative will not be limited to Jigawa alone. The programme is designed to cover all 774 local government areas across Nigeria, targeting more than 770,000 youth nationwide. Officials explained that the youth empowerment scheme will reduce poverty, strengthen small businesses, boost local economies, and contribute to improved national security.
Governor Namadi emphasized Jigawa’s growing importance in agriculture. He noted that the state is already Nigeria’s leading producer of wheat, sesame, hibiscus, and gum Arabic. “By 2030, Jigawa aims to produce half of the country’s rice needs,” the governor stated.
To meet this target, the state government has launched a mechanisation company in partnership with the private sector. Sixty service centres have been established, each equipped with tractors, harvesters, and other modern farming implements.
All equipment is tracked with GPS for transparency. Farmers can book services online or through local agents, giving them easier access to agricultural technology.
Governor Namadi explained that his 12-point development agenda is already producing results, with Jigawa positioned as a key contributor to national food security.
The youth empowerment initiative, he added, will create new jobs, lift households out of poverty, and support Nigeria’s wider economic growth strategy.