KTSG Invests N4bn in Youth Craft Village as Graduates Rise by 157% …Ex-gov Shema Lauds Radda, Says KYCV Graduate Now HOD in FCT Administration Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has graduated 1,662 trainees of the Katsina Youth Craft Village and provided them with start-up packs to establish businesses. The Governor, who spoke at the second graduation ceremony held on Monday at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, said the figure represents a 156.79 per cent increase from 648 graduates recorded at the maiden edition. "When this administration came into office, we made a commitment under our Building Your Future Agenda to prioritise youth empowerment, skills acquisition and job creation. We promised to transform our young people from job seekers into job creators," Radda said. He said his administration has invested over N4bn in renovating, upgrading and equipping the centre with modern machines and tools to meet industry standards. "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. Radda said the graduates were trained in over 15 trades, including tailoring, welding and fabrication, carpentry, electrical installation, ICT, catering, cosmetology, plumbing and automobile repairs. He disclosed that a modern innovation hub and innovation desk have been established at the centre to promote creativity and technological advancement. The governor, who described vocational education as critical to tackling unemployment, announced plans 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 added that the State Enterprise Development Agency has supported over 60,000 beneficiaries through various enterprise development programmes. "I urge you not to sell your start-up packs. Use them to establish your businesses, grow your enterprises and create employment opportunities for others," Radda told the graduands. In his remarks, former Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema said KYCV was established during his administration to equip 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 KYCV graduate who had risen to become Head of Department in the Federal Capital Territory Administration. Earlier, the KYCV Coordinator, Kabir Abdullahi Kofar Soro, said the graduation marked a milestone in youth empowerment, noting the sharp rise in graduates from 648 to 1,662.