Katsina State Government has said it invested more than N4 billion to renovate, upgrade and equip a vocational centre, Youth Craft Village, with modern machines and tools to meet industry standards.

Governor Dikko Radda stated this Monday evening at the Muhammadu Dikko stadium, during the second graduation ceremony of 1,662 trainees of the center, and presentation of start-up packs to enable them establish businesses.

Radda said the vocational center was upgraded to industry standards, to enable for formal training of youths and empowering them to become self-reliant, as well as tackle the problem of unemployment.

He said the center’s upgrade also includes a modern innovation hub and establishment of an innovation desk to promote creativity and technological advancement.

The governor also said there are plans by his administration to establish additional training centres across the 34 local government areas of the state.

“Our target is to train and empower more than 5,000 young people through vocational training initiatives before the end of our tenure,” he said.

He said the 1,662 trainees graduated from the center represents a 156.79 per cent increase from 648 graduates recorded at the maiden edition.

Radda said the graduands were trained in over 15 trades, including tailoring, welding and fabrication, carpentry, electrical installation, ICT, catering, cosmetology, plumbing and automobile repairs.

He said issuing certificates to the graduates alone was not enough, hence reason behind government’s decision to provide them with start-up tools.

“We do not believe in simply issuing certificates and sending our graduates home without the means to put their training into practice. That is why we are providing them with start-up tools and equipment to enable them to establish their businesses,” he said.

He said the measure is part of his government’s commitment under its Building Your Future agenda, to prioritize youth development, skills acquisition and job creation.

The governor assured that his administration is working to transform the state’s young people from being job seekers to job creators.

He called on the graduates not to sell their start-up packs, but use them to establish businesses, grow enterprises and create employment opportunities for others.”

Speaking, former governor of the state, Ibrahim Shema, said the center, which was established during his administratio, is aimed at equiping youths, especially from rural communities, with practical skills.

“The importance of technical and vocational education cannot be overemphasised. It provides young people with practical skills to become self-reliant, establish businesses and contribute meaningfully to society,” Shema said.

He said the institution had attracted trainees from across Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic, adding that he once met a graduate who had risen to become Head of Department in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

Earlier, Coordinator of the centre, Kabir Abdullahi, said the graduation marked a milestone in youth empowerment, noting the sharp rise in graduates from 648 to 1,662.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the direct intervention and support of His Excellency, particularly his commitment to youth development and approval for the expansion of the Katsina Youth Craft Village,” Abdullahi said.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Prof. Idris Bugaje, commended the state government for its commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Bugaje urged other states to emulate Katsina’s model and called for replication of vocational initiatives through community and Islamic schools.