The Katsina State Government has empowered 1,016 youths, mostly political thugs, with a total of N252 million to help them become productive and self-reliant.
The initiative, executed through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), is part of the “Building Your Future Youth Development Programme”, aimed at addressing youth unemployment, discouraging begging, and reducing thuggery across the state.
The empowerment event, held on Tuesday at the Katsina Local Government Service Commission, was attended by top government officials, security agencies, religious leaders, and traditional rulers.
Representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the police, and the Hisbah Board were also present, highlighting the collaborative effort to tackle youth restiveness.
Speaking at the event, Governor Dikko Radda reaffirmed his commitment to youth development, emphasizing that the N252 million disbursed aligns with his administration’s promise to uplift young people and reduce poverty.
He noted that Katsina State, like many parts of northern Nigeria, struggles with a high poverty rate, with 77.7% of the region’s population living below the poverty line.
This intervention, he said, is one of several initiatives designed to reverse the trend and provide alternative means of livelihood for vulnerable youths.
The government has also implemented strict measures to ensure that beneficiaries use the funds responsibly.
The Katsina State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Danmusa, warned that any beneficiary caught loitering around government offices or engaging in begging would face decisive action.
Additionally, the Katsina State Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Zakari Shargalle, urged stakeholders to remain committed to ensuring the success of the empowerment programme.
The Director General of KASEDA, A’isha Malumfashi, expressed optimism that the intervention would bring lasting changes in the lives of the beneficiaries.
To symbolize the financial commitment, Governor Radda presented a dummy cheque to selected recipients, including three men and two women.
With this initiative, the Katsina State Government hopes to steer youth away from crime and economic hardship, setting them on a path toward financial independence and societal contribution.