Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has empowered 1,169 youths with practical skills and starter packs under the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA) in partnership with the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), as part of the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme.
The graduation ceremony, held on Monday at the People’s Square Katsina, marked a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to tackle youth unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen its human capital base through structured vocational training.
Addressing the beneficiaries and stakeholders present, Governor Radda commended the graduates for their discipline and commitment throughout the one-year intensive programme, describing their achievement as more than a ceremonial milestone.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a programme, but the resilience, determination, and commitment of our young people who have chosen the path of self-improvement and enterprise,” he said.
He reiterated that his administration remains firmly committed to policies centred on practical empowerment and inclusive economic growth, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved by investing in people.
“From the inception of this administration, we made it clear that our focus would be on meaningful empowerment and real economic development. The true wealth of any society lies in the capacity and productivity of its people,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda identified youth unemployment as one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges facing the state and the country at large, stressing that skills acquisition remains the most viable pathway to addressing the issue.
“The most effective way to address unemployment is to empower our youth with practical skills that can translate into real economic opportunities,” he said.
He further explained that the choice of mechatronics as a focus area reflects global realities within the automotive and technology sectors, where traditional mechanical systems are increasingly integrated with electronics and advanced diagnostics.
“The world is changing rapidly, and the automobile industry is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Mechatronics represents the future, combining mechanical knowledge with electronics and modern diagnostics,” he explained.
According to him, the programme was deliberately designed not just to provide technical knowledge, but to ensure that beneficiaries are equipped to remain competitive in a fast-evolving labour market.
“This initiative is not just about training; it is about preparing our youth to remain relevant, competitive, and productive in a technology-driven world,” he added.
The Governor also acknowledged the role of KASEDA in the successful execution of the programme, describing the agency as instrumental in translating policy into measurable impact. He further appreciated NATA for its collaboration, as well as trainers, mentors, and coordinators who contributed to both skill acquisition and character development of the participants.
Addressing the graduates directly, Governor Radda described the starter packs distributed as more than just tools, but as a strategic bridge between training and economic independence.
“These are not just tools; they are instruments of opportunity and productivity. They represent the confidence we have in your ability to build businesses and contribute to society,” he said.
He urged the beneficiaries to approach their next phase with discipline and purpose, warning against complacency.
“Do not see this as the end of your journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. Use these tools responsibly and strive for excellence in all that you do,” he advised.
The Governor noted that one of the persistent gaps in vocational training programmes is the absence of post-training support, which often limits the ability of graduates to transition into productive employment or entrepreneurship.
“One of the major challenges of skills programmes is the lack of startup support. This is why we ensured that this programme goes beyond training to actual empowerment,” he said.
He emphasised the need for a shift in mindset among young people, encouraging them to prioritise job creation over job seeking, while also calling on parents, traditional institutions, and community leaders to support vocational and technical education as a viable pathway to economic stability.
Earlier, the Director-General of KASEDA, Dr. Babangida Ruma, described the graduation of 1,169 apprentices as a reflection of strong leadership and deliberate policy direction by the state government.
He noted that the programme demonstrates Katsina State’s commitment to human capital development, entrepreneurship, and strategic institutional partnerships.
According to him, the initiative combines hands-on technical training, mentorship, and industry exposure to equip participants with market-relevant skills required in today’s economy.
He added that the inclusion of starter packs is a critical component of the programme, enabling beneficiaries to commence work immediately, establish small businesses, and transition towards self-reliance without delay.
Similarly, the Chairman of NATA, Engineer Abbati, stated that the programme has contributed significantly to reducing unemployment and promoting self-reliance among young people in the state.
He, however, appealed for further government support towards the completion of the NATA administrative block at the Katsina Youth Craft Village, which he said is currently about 50 per cent completed.
Engineer Abbati also called for stronger collaboration across the 34 local government areas and relevant agencies, including KASEDA, KASROMA, RUWASSA, SEPA, and KYCV, as well as private sector partners such as AMOSCO International Company, to deepen impact and improve productivity across the value chain.
In his keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Jelani Aliyu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mashrabiya Group, emphasised that investment in youth skills development remains central to national prosperity and industrial growth.
Drawing from his experience in the global automotive industry, he stressed the importance of discipline, consistency, and long-term commitment in achieving mastery.
“The skills you have acquired are tools for transformation. With integrity, dedication, and hard work, you can become self-reliant, create opportunities for others, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
A goodwill message delivered by Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani described Governor Radda as a transformational leader with a clear vision for innovation and economic advancement. He likened the Governor’s leadership style to that of Abraham Lincoln in terms of vision, and Adam Smith in economic philosophy, citing his emphasis on empowerment and opportunity-driven governance.
He further disclosed that KASEDA has impacted over one million beneficiaries through various empowerment initiatives, contributing to a shift in mindset among youths and artisans by transforming technical skills into viable business opportunities.
Nigeria Startup News reports that the event attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the Katsina State Executive Council, local government chairmen, members of the State House of Assembly, senior government officials, and representatives from the private sector, underscoring broad support for the state’s vocational and enterprise development agenda.
