Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf is set to empower 1,130 graduates from six revived entrepreneurship training institutes in the state.

This initiative forms part of Governor Yusuf’s strategic plan to enhance human capital development and promote economic empowerment.

The beneficiaries are equipped with various skills and specialities, including livestock management, film production and editing, informatics and data science, as well as fisheries and poultry.

Furthermore, the programme also includes the rehabilitation of young, promising youths who were rescued from illicit substance abuse, now being reintegrated into society.

Secretary to the Steering Committee for 26 Entrepreneurship Institutes, Dr. Ibrahim Garba Muhammad, disclosed this at the weekend during a stakeholder engagement with small-scale business owners at Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano.

According to Dr. Muhammad, Governor Yusuf kindly considered revitalising the 26 entrepreneurship institutes established by Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s administration to tackle the rising unemployment rate.

Mohammad, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Human Resources, explained that the commitment to this initiative, which resulted in the inauguration of a six-member committee tasked with ensuring the reactivation and smooth operation of the institutes, is already yielding significant results.

In his words, “Since the committee’s inauguration in July 2024, six institutes have successfully commenced training and graduated over 840 beneficiaries, many of whom have already been empowered with post-training packages.

“Among those now scheduled for empowerment are 140 graduates from the Livestock Institute, Bagauda, who will each receive a bull, animal feed, veterinary medicines, and a ₦100,000 startup grant.

“200 graduates from the Horticulture Institute, Bagauda, having completed intensive training in horticultural practices, will be empowered with packages that include water pumps, wheelbarrows, spraying machines, cutting tools, and ₦100,000 per person.

“The Driving Institute, Zaria Road, has trained 250 beneficiaries in operating both light and heavy-duty vehicles. Graduates will receive ₦200,000 each, a driving certificate, support for driver’s license processing, and a ₦15,000 monthly transport allowance.

“The Informatics Institute, Kura, trained another 250 beneficiaries in digital skills, including UI/UX design, mobile and PC repairs, and data science. Empowerment packages for these beneficiaries include laptops, repair toolkits, and ₦100,000 startup capital.

“At the Film Institute, Tiga, 90 beneficiaries have completed training in movie production and editing and are also scheduled to receive empowerment support.

“The Fisheries Institute, Bagauda, has trained 200 participants in commercial fish production, hatchery management, and fish feed formulation. The empowerment packages include collapsible tanks, fish feed, veterinary medication, juvenile fish, and weighing scales,” Muhammad emphasised.

According to Muhammad, the committee has finalised plans for the immediate launch of five additional institutes with a combined enrolment capacity of 1,600 youths. Among those ready for operation is the Poultry Institute in Tukui, Makoda, which will admit 600 women for specialised training in poultry production and agribusiness.

He also stated that the Reformatory Institute in Kiru is prepared to admit participants, aiming to enrol 200 beneficiaries in vocational and rehabilitative skills to promote reintegration and economic self-sufficiency.

“The Artisan Fisheries Institute in Magaga will train 200 individuals in fish farming and hatchery techniques. The Irrigation Institute in Gwarzo will also admit 200 trainees to be trained in modern irrigation technologies and water resource management.

“Additionally, the Journalism Institute and Sports Institute will each admit 200 beneficiaries, focusing on media and communication, and sports development, respectively,” Muhammad said.

It is worth recalling that the 26 entrepreneurship institutes were abandoned by the immediate past administration of Abdullahi Ganduje for eight years, an ugly development that crippled the genuine intention of the centres and further degenerated youth unemployment in the state.