Dutse, June 26, 2025
Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has conducted a one-day mobilisation meeting, to sensitize stakeholders on its new youths empowerment initiative in Jigawa.
Speaking at meeting which held at Manpower Development Institute in Dutse, Mr Isa Garba of CITAD, said the meeting was to create awareness on the project, “Youth Sustainable Enterprise Challenge (YSEC) Programme”, in Jigawa State.
The programme he said, was designed to empower 80 young people in Jigawa State, aged 18 to 35, with the skills, tools, and resources needed to start and sustain successful businesses.
“With a strong focus on inclusion, the programme targets both aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs, including women and persons living with disabilities.
“Notably, the initiative places significant emphasis on women and persons living with disabilities (PLWD), ensuring inclusivity in the training process,” he said.
Mr Garba highlighted that the YSEC programme consists of a comprehensive entrepreneurship programme focused on fostering both technical and soft skills.
The structured training he explained, will provide participants with a wide-ranging understanding of various business dynamics, empowering them to transition smoothly into the business and labour markets.
“The training programme also encompasses critical areas including digital entrepreneurship, ICT skills, marketing and essential soft skills that bolster employability and entrepreneurial capacity,” Garba said
Some of the stakeholders commended the project and offered suggestions for the program to make a significant impact.
Mr Abbas Zakari from the Youths Development Affairs Department of the state Ministry of Women Affairs, said the project if well implemented will make a huge impact.
He advised CITAD to place emphasis on physical screening in addition to the online application system.
Also, Mr Abdulkarim Umar from Small Medium Enterprise Development Association of Nigeria (SMEDAN), advised CITAD on the project’s sustainability.
He urged stakeholders to invest in the project, in terms of mentorship and support, in order to achieve a maximum impact.
A representative of Bank of Industry, Mr Munir Muhammed, explained that the bank has series of loan facilities that the youths can access after the empowerment.
He explained that Jigawa state government has also injected about N4 billion into the bank for the benefit of its citizens.
The project is being funded by the British Council, implemented in technical partnership with King’s Trust International.
It is also delivered by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), as part of British Council’s Youth Connect global programme.
It is a program which provides positive pathways for young people through entrepreneurship, employability, and active citizenship.
Aisha Ahmed✍ from Jigawa
