In a significant move to combat joblessness and foster economic independence, the Kano State Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to equip tens of thousands of young residents with vital skills.
Governor Yusuf Announces Major Empowerment Drive
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf revealed the initiative on Sunday, January 12, 2026, during an event at the Government House in Kano. The ceremony involved distributing empowerment packages to 2,260 graduates from eight state-run entrepreneurship skills institutes.
According to a statement from his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, the governor's administration is targeting the training of at least 50,000 youths across the state in the year 2026. The core objective is to arm young Nigerians with practical, market-relevant abilities that will enable them to contribute productively to Kano's economy and achieve self-reliance.
Building a Skilled and Self-Reliant Generation
Governor Yusuf emphasized that empowering the youth with vocational and entrepreneurial expertise remains a cornerstone of his development agenda. He stated that the programme is designed to build a skilled population capable of supporting sustainable growth in the state.
"Our goal is to empower young people with the skills and opportunities they need to stand on their own, earn a living, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Kano State," the governor explained at the event. He added that this training forms a crucial part of a broader strategy to address the interconnected challenges of poverty, unemployment, and youth restiveness in local communities.
Yusuf assured residents of his administration's continued commitment to youth empowerment through sustained investments, describing young people as central to the state's long-term stability and prosperity.
Part of a Broader Digital and Economic Transformation
The planned mass training for 2026 is not an isolated effort. It is designed to complement other ongoing empowerment schemes aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth.
Notably, this initiative aligns with a larger digital skills plan previously announced by the state. In August 2025, it was reported that the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency, under Director-General Dr. Bashir-Abdu Muzakkari, would partner with the KALM Community Initiative NGO.
That collaboration aims to empower a staggering 1.5 million youths with digital literacy and skills between 2025 and 2027. A pilot phase has already engaged 150,000 participants, covering basic, intermediate, and expert-level digital competencies.
This multi-pronged approach—combining immediate vocational training with long-term digital upskilling—signals Kano State's comprehensive strategy to prepare its youth for the future economy and drastically reduce unemployment figures.
