By ABBAS BAMALLI

The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the Youths Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), has empowered about 1,000 youths across selected local government areas in the state.

The YOWICAN Chairman in the state, Mr Praise Isaiah, disclosed this in Katsina on Saturday during the presentation of empowerment items to about 600 beneficiaries.

Isaiah explained that earlier during the first phase of the empowerment exercise, aimed towards making the youths self-reliant, no fewer than 400 youths benefited.

According to him, some of the beneficiaries were trained in aluminum work, catering, Information Communication Technology (ICT), solar installation, and also tailoring.

The YOWICAN chairman thanked Gov. Dikko Radda for his passion and support towards youths empowerment and development, regardless of race or religion.

He commended the state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, and other key stakeholders for the outstanding role they played towards ensuring the success of the programme.

Isiah said, “The gathering is to empower ourselves with knowledge, skills, mindset, reduce over-dependence on government jobs and prevent the youths from other social vices.

“This programme is a platform to unlock our potential, foster innovation, creativity, and shape our future. So far, YOWICAN was able to empower about 1,000 youths within this year.”

According to the YOWICAN chairman, about 300 out of the 600 beneficiaries received Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) grants, while 100 students received scholarships.

Isiah added that YOWICAN, with the support of the government, had given grants to about 100 farmers, an cash assistance to 100 widows, orphans and other vulnerable people.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths and Sports Development’, Abubakar Ahmed-Tsanni, said that the governor was very happy to see that the association was utilising the opportunity given to it.

According to him, empowerment is among the major priorities of the governor, adding, “therefore, he is always willing to approve the necessary support to empower women and the youths.”

He, therefore, called on the beneficiaries to use the empowerment items judiciously, appealing to them not to sell them, so that the government can be encouraged to replicate the gesture.

“So, if they utilise it, they don’t need to be waiting for a government salary of N100,000 or N200,000, which in a week they can make if they believe in what they are doing.

“I’m appealing to them, let them take their business seriously and show their commitment.

“By God’s grace, our youths can do better and can do great,” Ahmed-Tsanni appealed.

Also, the Chairman, Katsina State chapter of CAN, Rev. Father Shuaibu Liti, described the empowerment as the first of its kind, saying that it was beyond empowering the 600 beneficiaries.

Represented by the CAN Secretary in the state, Dr Daniel Musa, Liti said that the beneficiaries were expected to train at least five persons in their respective communities so as to reduce unemployment. (NAN)