The Katsina State Government on Wednesday graduated 634 youths from its Youth Craft Village, providing each with trade-specific starter packs valued in billions of naira.

Although the exact cost of the starter packs was not revealed, this marks the first time such comprehensive support has been extended to graduates of the institution.

Governor Dikko Radda described the occasion as a significant step towards youth empowerment, skills development, and inclusive growth in the state. He noted that the graduation was more than just a ceremony, but rather a reflection of the administration’s commitment to using education, skills acquisition, and opportunities to transform lives.

The Governor outlined comprehensive reforms that have repositioned KYCV as what he termed a ‘Centre of Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training.”

According to Governor Radda, the strategic initiatives include, “development of a business plan and sustainability framework to ensure long-term viability, international benchmarking through study tours to world-class institutions like SENAI in Brazil, accreditation under National Skills Qualification Framework and ISO Standards, Investment in human capacity through instructor training and up-skilling.”

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“Others are, comprehensive equipment audit and renewal with modern, industry-standard tools, Implementation of a robust alumni engagement strategy, establishment of a monitoring & evaluation system for quality assurance and community integration and future expansion,” he said.

Radda also revealed that KYCV has been integrated with key community-based facilities, including the multipurpose women’s centre in Filin Samji, the groundnut processing centre in Kankiya, and the furniture production initiative for secondary schools.

“We believe that true learning must extend beyond the classroom,” the Governor stated, explaining how the partnerships provide trainees with real-world experience while benefiting their communities.

Radda announced plans to expand KYCV further by introducing ten new departments, along with major renovations and re-equipping of existing facilities, positioning it as a flagship institution for skills training and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

“These starter packs are not mere handouts, they are instruments of empowerment, designed to catalyze job creation, innovation, and economic independence.

“To ensure responsible use, the administration has implemented strict accountability measures, including formal agreements with graduates’ parents or guardians, robust monitoring systems, and security agency involvement,” the Governor disclosed.

Radda further issued a stern warning to the beneficiaries saying, “let me be very clear, anyone found selling their kit will face appropriate consequences.”

He also charged the graduates to be the pride of the state and go forth to become job creators, problem solvers and ambassadors of hope.

Governor Radda therefore praised the former governor, Barr. Ibrahim Shema for laying the foundation of KYCV, stating, “Your visionary leadership laid the foundation for KYCV, and it is our honour to build upon that legacy.”

In a keynote address, the former Katsina State Governor, Barr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema under whose administration the Craft Village was established commended the current government for continuing and expanding the vision.

“I am proud to see this centre thriving. These graduates are a testament to what we can achieve when leadership is focused and consistent”, Shema said.

He recalled some memorable milestones during his tenure, such as student-led innovations and international collaborations, and applauded the Radda’s administration for raising the bar.

According to him, “the Katsina Youth Craft Village was born out of a profound vision that emanated from my observation of the condition of our youths in the cause of my campaigns across the State in the runup to the 2007 gubernatorial elections. I envisioned our vibrant youths not as problems to be solved, but as great potential to be nurtured. I am gratified that, over the years, the Craft Village has consistently successfully empowered young people from all 34 local government areas of the State since its inception in September, 2009.

“Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, occasions such as this offer us an opportunity to reflect on our past, the present, and the glorious future of our State. As I stand here today, I recall with great relish two events in 2013 and 2024 that greatly gave me an overwhelming sense of pride and fulfillment. In the first incident, I had paid an official visit to the village accompanied by Mr. Labaran Maku, then Minister of Information.

“Even though the institution was primarily designed to impart basic skills to our youth, to our amazement, we were shown a remote-control electricity generator using a Toyota engine constructed jointly by Auto-Mechanic, Auto-Electrical and Welding trainees of the institution. I personally turned it on with the remote unit from a distance.

“The impressive milestones that the Katsina Youth Craft Village has recorded over the years is due to the uncommon diligence, consummate dedication, and unyielding commitment of these Katsina sons and daughters to the ideals that birthed the Katsina Youth Craft Village from inception.

“Today, we are witnesses to the further fulfillment of a grand vision as these vibrant young men and women formally graduate with skills in such diverse areas as tailoring, hairdressing, catering, computer maintenance & networking, GSM handset servicing, welding & fabrication, film & photography, shoe-making & leather work, generator maintenance, auto electrical & mechanical work, pottery & wrought iron work, African tie & dye, carpentry & woodwork, and other life-changing vocations.”