The Kebbi State Government has reiterated the need for young people across the state to embrace skills acquisition as a critical pathway to self-reliance and long-term economic empowerment. This call was made in line with the administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce youth unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship among the state’s growing population of young citizens.
Speaking during a sensitization programme held in Birnin Kebbi, officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development emphasized that acquiring practical skills—ranging from tailoring, carpentry, ICT, welding, fashion design, to agribusiness—would not only reduce dependence on white-collar jobs but also position the youth to become job creators in their communities.
KIIN360 gathered that the state government has already rolled out several vocational training initiatives in collaboration with federal agencies and private development partners. These programmes are designed to equip participants with both technical expertise and business management skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive economy.
A senior official at the event noted that while formal education remains vital, the reality of the current job market demands that young Nigerians must think beyond certificates and pursue skills that can immediately translate into income and productivity. He added that Kebbi State is ready to support youth-led enterprises through funding opportunities, mentorship, and access to startup equipment.
The government also urged community leaders and parents to encourage their wards to take advantage of training centres and empowerment schemes that have been strategically located across the state. According to them, investing in youth through practical knowledge is one of the most sustainable ways to fight poverty and build a resilient economy.
As Nigeria continues to battle rising unemployment and underemployment, Kebbi State’s renewed focus on skills acquisition stands as part of a broader strategy to prepare its youth for a more dynamic and self-sustaining future.