Jigawa State Government has taken a bold step to tackle youth unemployment by selecting, training, and empowering 400 youths on date-palm cultivation.
The state has consistently promoted date-palm farming to boost income for rural farmers, support diversification efforts, and help combat desertification in the region.
This traditional crop now sees renewed focus as the government trains and empowers youths to advance its cultivation for greater self-reliance and sustainable development.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony of the trainees held on Monday at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse, the state capital, Governor Umar Namadi said, “This pilot scheme aims to equip young people with skills and resources to build sustainable livelihoods.”
Namadi stated that the programme is a strategy to diversify the state’s economy while protecting the environment. “Each trainee will be responsible for managing half a hectare of date-palm trees, totalling 200 trees in designated clusters,” he explained.
Besides technical training, Namadi revealed that the beneficiaries will receive a monthly allowance for two years, along with industrial boreholes and other support.
“We want to empower our youths to be self-reliant and contribute positively to the state’s economy,” the governor said confidently.
However, Namadi assured the youths that the government’s commitment to their success won’t end there. “We will continue to find ways to create jobs and promote agriculture as a viable source of income,” he promised the youths.
He further urged other youths to embrace skill acquisition and agricultural ventures to reduce unemployment in the state.
“Our vision is to make Jigawa a hub of sustainable farming and environmental conservation, empowering young people as active contributors,” Namadi added.
Reacting exclusively when interviewed separately by our correspondent at the graduation’s venue, Aminu Musa, one of the beneficiaries from Birniwa LGA, expressed his gratitude, saying, “This programme has given me hope and a real chance to support my family. I am excited to start cultivating date palms and build a better future.”
Similarly, Yusuf Sani from Babura LGA shared his joy, “Before this, I had no clear source of income, but now, with the skills and monthly support, I can confidently plan for my future.”
Other beneficiaries also praised the government’s initiative, highlighting the training and allowances as key factors that set them on the path to independence.
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