Graduation of 634 trainees of the Katsina Youth Craft Village

It is with immense pride and deep satisfaction that I stand before you today to witness and celebrate a defining moment in the journey of youth empowerment, skills development and inclusive growth in our great state of Katsina.

Today’s event, the graduation of no fewer than 634 young men and women from the Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV) is more than a ceremonial milestone. It is a testament to our shared belief in the power of education, skill acquisition and opportunity as tools for transformation.

Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt appreciation to our Distinguished Guest Speaker, His Excellency, Former Governor Barr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, for gracing us with his presence and wisdom. Your visionary leadership laid the foundation for KYCV, and it is our honor to build upon that legacy, revitalizing and expanding its impact for this generation and the next. To you, Sir, we say: thank you for planting the seed. Today, we are nurturing the tree.

From the beginning of our administration, we have viewed KYCV not merely as a vocational training center, but as a Center of Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) — a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.

To realize this vision, we have taken deliberate and strategic steps:

• Development of a Business Plan and Sustainability Framework – Ensuring KYCV remains viable and impactful beyond the tenure of any administration.
• International Benchmarking – Sending our team on a study tour to world-class institutions such as SENAI in Brazil, to align KYCV with global best practices.
• Accreditation under NSQF and ISO Standards – Working closely with NBTE and SON to ensure KYCV programs meet national and international benchmarks.
• Investment in Human Capacity – Training and up-skilling instructors to deliver modern, industry-relevant instruction.
• Comprehensive Equipment Audit and Renewal – Replacing outdated tools with modern equipment to match industrial standards.
• Alumni Engagement Strategy – Creating a strong network of graduates who can support each other and contribute to KYCV’s future.
• Monitoring & Evaluation System – Tracking outcomes to ensure quality, accountability and long-term success.

In addition, we have relocated the Central Mechanical Workshop to KYCV, providing trainees with hands-on experience while also contributing to government cost savings. The early results of this integration have been promising.

We believe that true learning must extend beyond the classroom. That is why we have directed KYCV to collaborate with key community-based facilities such as:

• The Multipurpose Women Centre in Filin Samji
• The Groundnut Processing Centre in Kankiya
• The Furniture Production Initiative for Secondary Schools

These partnerships ensure that our trainees gain real-world experience while directly benefiting their communities.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand KYCV further by introducing ten new departments, along with major renovations and re-equipping of existing facilities. Our goal is clear: to position KYCV as a flagship institution for skills training and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

Today marks a historic milestone for the first time ever; all 634 graduates will receive trade-specific starter packs, equipping them with the tools needed to begin their entrepreneurial journeys. These starter packs are not mere handouts, they are instruments of empowerment, designed to catalyze job creation, innovation, and economic independence.

To ensure these resources are used effectively and responsibly:

• We have signed formal agreements with the parents or guardians of each graduate.
• A robust Monitoring & Evaluation System has been put in place.
• Security agencies have been engaged to prevent misuse or resale of the starter kits. Let me be very clear, anyone found selling their kit will face appropriate consequences.

This initiative reflects our commitment to institutionalizing youth empowerment not as a one-time event, but as a structured and sustainable process.

We firmly believe that investing in technical and vocational education is the most sustainable path to economic growth, job creation and social development. With KYCV as a cornerstone, we are building a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the 21st century.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Coordinator of KYCV, Engr. Kabir Abdullahi “K/Soro”, and his dedicated team. Your passion, professionalism, and perseverance have brought us to this proud moment. To you and your staff, we say: thank you.

To all the graduates here today you are the pride of Katsina State. You have completed rigorous training and now hold in your hands not just certificates, but the tools to build your future. Go forth and become job creators, problem solvers and ambassadors of hope. The future of this State lies in your hands. Be bold. Be responsible. Be leaders.

Finally, I want to thank all our partners, stakeholders, and supporters who have stood with us on this journey. Together, we are transforming Katsina State into a hub of opportunity, innovation and progress.

Rest assured, this transformation of KYCV has only just begun. More initiatives are on the way, and Katsina State will continue to lead the charge in building a skilled, self-reliant and prosperous Nigeria.

Thank you all for being part of this inspiring chapter in our collective story.

God bless you all.

God bless Katsina State.

And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.