Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced a ₦5 billion investment aimed at transforming the Katsina Youth Craft Village into a premier Centre of Excellence dedicated to vocational training and innovation. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance youth empowerment and skill acquisition throughout the state.
During a two-day official visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima to the Government House in Katsina on Tuesday, Governor Radda emphasized the pivotal role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as catalysts for economic growth, creativity, and employment generation, not only within Katsina but across Nigeria.
He highlighted that MSMEs contribute approximately 49% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and provide over 80% of the nation’s jobs, reinforcing their importance in his administration’s agenda for economic transformation.
To better support entrepreneurs, the governor revealed that Katsina State has transitioned from manual record-keeping to a comprehensive digital MSME database. This system is designed to capture detailed information about business owners and their operations, enabling more targeted and effective support. “Our aim is to gather data that directly addresses the needs of our entrepreneurs,” he explained.
In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the state government has introduced non-repayable grants to assist small business owners who lack access to traditional financing. This program has already distributed over ₦542 million to beneficiaries across multiple local government areas.
Regarding vocational education, Governor Radda noted that trainees at the revamped craft village now receive certifications accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Additionally, select individuals have been sponsored to attend Brazil’s SENAI Institute, gaining advanced technical skills and international exposure.
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He stressed that sustainable employment solutions must extend beyond public sector jobs, encouraging young people to pursue entrepreneurship, innovation, and value creation. “Our objective is to cultivate job creators rather than job seekers,” he asserted, adding, “In today’s economy, practical skills outweigh formal qualifications.”
Reflecting on his leadership approach, Governor Radda stated that his administration prioritizes honesty, bravery, and accountability over political considerations. “I communicate transparently about what is achievable and what is not. My focus is on delivering tangible results, not merely holding office,” he affirmed.
Finally, the governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their unwavering support and partnership with Katsina State in driving its developmental agenda forward.