Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and industrial growth under the leadership of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda. The Governor has approved a specialized technical training programme for mechanics of the Central Mechanical Workshop at the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV), in collaboration with Autogig International Resources Ltd., Lagos.
The specialized training, which began yesterday and will continue until November 3, aims to enhance the technical competence, innovation mindset, and hands-on skills of KYCV mechanics in line with global automotive standards. The programme focuses on modern vehicle systems, advanced diagnostics, electric and hybrid technologies, IoT-enabled diagnostics, CNG kit installation, and workshop management. It combines classroom learning with hands-on sessions to provide participants with practical exposure to emerging automotive technologies.
Speaking on the initiative, the Coordinator of the Katsina Youth Craft Village, Engr. Kabir Abdullahi, described the Governor’s approval as a visionary and transformative gesture. He said it reflects the administration’s deep belief in the power of technical education to transform lives and communities.
He stated, “What His Excellency has done is more than just approving training; it is an investment in the future of Katsina’s young people. This programme will open doors for our mechanics to learn the most modern automotive techniques that align with global best practices. They will be exposed to innovations reshaping the vehicle industry, including hybrid systems, digital diagnostics, and alternative energy technologies. This kind of practical training is what turns ordinary craftsmen into master technicians.”
Engr. Abdullahi further explained that the Central Mechanical Workshop is being repositioned to serve as a centre of excellence for automotive innovation and training. According to him, young mechanics will continually upgrade their knowledge and become self-reliant professionals contributing to the state’s industrial development.
“We are grateful to Governor Radda for his foresight and his continuous investment in the Katsina Youth Craft Village. He is not just providing opportunities; he is building capacity, restoring dignity to technical labour, and giving our youths a platform to dream beyond the ordinary. This is how societies grow, through knowledge, skill, and vision,” he added.
A major highlight of the initiative is the ongoing discussion between Autogig International and the Katsina Youth Craft Village, aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and ensuring sustainable technical development. The discussions, which will lead to signing a Memorandum of Understanding, cover areas such as authentic and affordable spare parts supply, joint technical research, staff training, and industry linkages with major automotive manufacturers.
This collaboration is expected to help reposition the Katsina Youth Craft Village as a trusted, government-backed hub for modern vehicle repair, diagnostics, and innovation in Northern Nigeria. It also aligns with the broader agenda of creating skilled jobs, promoting sustainable development, and driving industrial growth within the state.
Facilitated by top industry experts, the training exposes participants to the latest innovations in electric and hybrid vehicle systems, digital fault detection, and clean energy conversion. It also emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and workshop management, which are essential skills for building professional discipline and ensuring sustainable workshop operations.
The Youth Craft Village Transformation Programme, under which this initiative falls, remains one of the flagship interventions of the Katsina State Government’s Building Your Future agenda. Its core objective is to nurture a generation of skilled, self-reliant, and entrepreneurial youths equipped with the technical knowledge to drive industrial and technological advancement across the state.
Through this initiative, the Katsina State Government continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowerment through education and skills development, ensuring that young people are employable and capable of creating opportunities and innovations.
Governor Dikko Radda’s administration remains focused on transforming vocational and technical training centres across Katsina into vibrant, innovation-driven institutions. By aligning practical learning with industry demands, the government is laying the foundation for a stronger, self-reliant, and economically viable Katsina built on knowledge, skill, and creativity.